Breast milk HMOs: A Nature’s wonder

Breastfeeding is a gift that only you can give your baby. It has its own health benefits for both mother and child. Health organisations all over the globe consider human breast milk as the best source of nourishment to aid early life development. Breast milk is also considered as a “golden standard” for baby’s nutrition. Do you understand why breast milk is regarded as a beneficial dietary source? What qualities does breast milk possess that make it such a highly rated option? Keep reading to understand more about the components of breast milk.

What are Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs)?

Breast milk is uniquely suitable for the newborn child’s nutritional needs and it also contains immunological and anti-inflammatory compounds that protect the child against various diseases. It is also easily digested so there is no problem of constipation, diarrhoea and also upset stomach in babies. Several biomolecules are found in breast milk. Among them, breast milk has a very significant and unique component known as human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). After lipids and lactose, HMOs are the third most prevalent solid component of breast milk. HMOs are a collection of complex, non-digestible sugars that are both structurally and functionally varied. Approximately, 150 HMOs have been discovered in breast milk.

Also check, Foods to increase the breast milk supply

Types of HMOs

Three primary HMO forms are present in human breast milk:

Types	Amount present (%)	Example
Neutral or Fucosylated HMO	35-50%	2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL)
Neutral Non-fucosylated HMO	45-55%	lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT)
Acid or Sialylated HMO	12-14%	2′-sialyllactose

Every woman produces breast milk with a different level of HMO. The moms’ regional and genetic backgrounds are some of the elements that influence the quantity and type of HMOs.

Also check, Breastfeeding schedule for babies

Role of HMOs

Benefits the gut microbiota

HMOs are unique prebiotics that are discovered in human breast milk. HMOs have been scientifically proven to have a favourable impact on the microbiota in breastfed infants. It feeds all the good bacteria in the intestine. 70-80% of immune cells are located in the gut. Beneficial gut microbes produce bacteriocins which are antimicrobial compounds capable of eradicating pathogenic bacteria.

Also check, Link between gut and immunity

Protect the intestinal cells

The first line of immunity is thought to be the quality and efficiency of the intestinal barrier. HMOs aid in the strengthening of the barrier by preventing harmful bacteria from adhering to the gut barrier. According to studies, HMOs speed up the development of intestinal cells.

Also check, Foremilk and Hindmilk imbalance

Regulates immune system

As HMOs are specific, they instruct a baby’s immune system when and how to fight an infection. They regulate the immunological responses by suppressing inflammatory responses and also strengthen the baby’s immune system.

Also check, How to increase weight of the babies

Brain development

HMOs and their byproducts, such as sialic acid, play a part in brain development, nerve cell formation and transmission of nerve signals. Sialic acid, a crucial component found in HMOs, helps in improving cognition, focus, concentration and memory of an individual.

Also check, Foods for brain development

Food that can help to improve the quality of breast milk

1. FENUGREEK:

Fenugreek is one of the most effective meals for increasing milk production and also its quality. It is the finest galactagogue ( foods for increasing breast milk).  It helps in activating the mammary glands to boost the production of breast milk.

Also check,Nuts and seeds that help with milk production

2. MORINGA:

Moringa is also a powerful galactagogue. It was reported to have a positive impact on breast milk production and also its quality. It’s packed with nutrients essential for nursing moms and also newborn babies. Though it is ideal to ingest fresh moringa leaves, soaking moringa powder in water and consuming it can also ensure the absorption of nutrients much more efficiently.

Also, check 20 Best foods for Healthy Body and Hair

3. SHATAVARI:

This Ayurvedic herb has been used to help women with breastfeeding concerns. It possesses qualities that aid in the production of prolactin and corticoids, which aid in the increase of breast milk, and so enhance lactation and also breast milk quality.

Also check, How shatavari improve fertility?

4. GINGER:

Ginger is utilised for its health advantages in addition to giving flavour to a variety of dishes and beverages. It is a well-known natural galactagogue among nursing mothers. There is, however, evidence to support ginger’s effectiveness in enhancing breast milk volume and also its quality.

Also check, Tips to manage pregnancy related gastrointestinal issues

5. NUTS:

Nuts like peanuts, Almonds, Cashew, and Hazelnut provide energy for a breastfeeding mother to stay active throughout the day. It is the best snack to include in a breastfeeding mother’s diet. These nuts help to boost milk production. Also, consuming nuts new study suggested that the consumption of nuts while breastfeeding can help to protect babies from developing allergies. Nuts are considered one of the best foods for increasing breast milk.

Also check,Best nuts and seeds

6. SEEDS:

Seeds like melon, sesame, and pumpkin help in milk production. Sesame is a rich source of calcium which is the most important nutrient for breastfeeding mothers. Pumpkin seeds are a natural source of DHA and alpha-linolenic acid which helps in boosting milk volume.

Also check, Baby Poop Types and Colour: What does it mean?

7. JAGGERY:

Iron and essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus are abundant in jaggery. It helps in the build-up of milk in the breast. Eating it with a piece of Garlic can help boost breast milk production and enhance its quality.

Also check, Growth Spurts in Kids

8. TURMERIC:

For hundreds of years, this golden spice has been utilised in Ayurvedic medicine as the best galactagogue (the food that boosts milk production).  Hence, turmeric may help nursing mothers by increasing milk production, relieving pain, and also lowering depression.

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9. VITAMIN E:

Vitamin E is only transferred to the foetus through the placenta during pregnancy, therefore breast milk is the only source of this nutrient for exclusively breastfed newborns. This is an important strategy to provide the infant with antioxidant protection while also stimulating immune system development.

Also check, Benefits of vitamin E

10. SUNFLOWER LECITHIN:

It is a natural fat emulsifier that can aid to lessen the “thickness and stickiness” of milk. It may also help release existing fatty blockages, boosting milk flow, quality and also quantity of milk supply.

Also check, Tips to prevent clogged ducts

11. COCOA SOLIDS:

It’s chocolate, but it’s healthy!!! It can assist nursing mothers in increasing their milk production. It not only delivers excellent nutrition to enhance a nursing mother’s milk production, but it also gives a slew of additional health advantages to a new mother.

Also check, Benefits of cocoa

12. CINNAMON:

Cinnamon promotes the flow of mother’s milk. For milk stimulation, combine honey, milk, and cinnamon powder. Also having honey and cinnamon is therefore not only healthful but is also a fantastic choice for increasing milk production.

Also, check Role of Prebiotics and Probiotics in Digestion

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