Human milk antimicrobial components

Human milk is a s)mergistic package of essential nutrients and bioactive components. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that consumption is associated with health benefits for many immune-related conditions (Table 2.1). Breast milk contains the nutrients necessary to support the development of the infant s immune system as well as other components that defend against infection. This includes various antimicrobial substances, factors that promote immime development, constituents that promote tolerance and the priming of the infant immime system, as well as anti-inflammatory components. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the evidence for the immune benefits of human milk. 

B. Antimicrobial components in human breast milk (Table 2.2)... 

The antimicrobial properties of the transferrins can be either enhanced or inhibited by a number of substance, especially by components of the very same biological fluids in which the transferrins are found. Many such effects can be demonstrated only in artificially-prepared media. Thus lactoferrin by itself has an antimicrobial effect lower than that observed in the human milk. 

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