Breastfeeding good for newborns' immune system development

A new research has revealed that breastfeeding boosts a baby's immune system even at long run and prevents them from allergies and asthma.

The research led by Henry Ford Health System explained that the gut microbiome was the collection of microorganisms in the gastro-intestional (GI), and it has been said to play an important role in immune system development, and hosts diseases like obesity, autoimmune diseases, circulating disorders and pediatric allergies and infection.

Christine Cole Johnson, Ph.D., and principal research investigator said that previously it was believed that sterile environment was not good for babies, but actually exposure to these bacteria, in the first few months after birth actually help stimulate the immune system, and if this exposure is minimized the immune system won't develop optimally.

The researchers found that breastfed babies at one month and six months had distinct microbiome compositions compared to non-breastfed babies, which may influence immune system development, also that breastfed babies at one month were at decreased risk of developing allergies to pets.

The study mentioned that baby's gut microbiome patterns vary from a mother's civilization, a baby's gestational age at birth, prenatal and postnatal exposure to tobacco, caesarean section versus vaginal delivery, and presence of pets in the home.

Dr. Johnson concluded that exposure to a higher and more diverse burden of environmental bacteria and specific patterns of gut bacteria helps to develop the immune system and protection against allergies and asthma.