Explain characteristics that make breastfeeding beneficial, Biology

Assignment Help:

Explain characteristics that make breastfeeding beneficial to the infant?

We have listed some characteristics that make breastfeeding beneficial to the infant:

• Mature milk contains about 1/3rd the protein found in cow's milk - more than 25% of its nitrogen is non-protein nitrogen. The concentration of casein to whey protein is lower; 1.5 for breast milk and 0.2 for cow's milk. Thus human milk with its low casein content forms a flocculent suspension with a curd tension of 0. These curds are easily digested and hence better tolerated by the infant.
• Lactoferrin in human milk inhibits the growth of certain iron-dependent bacteria in the GI tract and therefore affords protection against gastrointestinal infections.
• Presence of phagocytes, lysozymes and lactoperoxidases, afford immunity against harmful microorganisms such as, S. aureus, Candido sp., Salmonella sp.
• Protection from respiratory tract allergy and eczema.
• Immunoglobulin's provide passive immunity and protect against infection by retarding viral and bacterial invasion of the mucosa.
• Brotective effects have been substantiated for necrotizing enterocolitis, acrodermatitis enteropathica, intractable diarrhoea, pathogenic E. coli infection.

• Relatively low in amino acids that are detrimental at high levels. High in amino acids that infant cannot synthesize e.g. cystine and taurine.
• Lipids: lower in foremilk-hind milk has a threefold higher fat content. Higher content of linoleic and oleic acid, cholestero1,'the latter being needed for myelin synthesis.
• Contains lipase which helps in digestion of milk triglycerides and partly accounts for a greater ease in fat digestion of breastfed infants.
• Higher levels of lactose and nitrogen-containing oligosaccharides which have L. Bifid us promoting activity.
• Minerals: As compared to cow's milk, 6-times more phosphorus 4-times more calcium - lower renal solute load - better availability.
• Lower iron content but nearly 50% of iron in human milk is absorbed.
• Levels of water-soluble vitamins likely to reflect internal dietary or supplementary intake.
• Several hormone-like substances and growth factors in human milk.


The significance of human milk in maintaining the health of an infant was highlighted above. However, we all know that in countries like India, the prevalence of Malnutrition is widespread and it can have serious consequences on the health of the mother- and the quantity/quality of milk secreted. Read the subsequent text to learn more on this aspect.


Related Discussions:- Explain characteristics that make breastfeeding beneficial

What is the difference between octopuses and mussels, What is the differenc...

What is the difference between octopuses and mussels regarding their circulatory systems? How does that difference influence the mobility of these animals? Cephalopod molluscs,

What are some factors that can lead to protein denaturation, What are some ...

What are some factors that can lead to protein denaturation? Protein denaturation can be caused by temperature variation, pH change, alters in the concentration of surrounding

Define the nutritional needs of microorganisms, Define the Nutritional Need...

Define the Nutritional Needs of Microorganisms? About 95% of dry cell weight of microorganisms is constituted by macro elements. These are carbon (C), nitrogen (N), oxygen (O),

Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba Histolytica Losch (1875), for the fir...

Entamoeba Histolytica Losch (1875), for the first time, described the disease symptoms of infection of Entamoeba histolytica. However, it was only in 1903 that Schaudin gave t

What the henderson-hasselbalch equation expresses, The Henderson-Hasselbalc...

The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation expresses the pH of a solution as: Select one: a. The equilibrium constant of the acid and the dissociated form of the weak acid. b. The

Bee and silkworm diseases, BEE DISEASES - Suffer from nosema diseases...

BEE DISEASES - Suffer from nosema diseases caused by Nosema apis. SILK WORM DISEASES - Pebrine disease caused by Nosema.

What are the dietitians services, What are the dietitians services Diet...

What are the dietitians services Dietitians are engaged in a variety  of  positions and  in a number of  work settings. Of course the largest proportion is  involved engaged in

Explain risk factors and some epidemiological data, This assignment is a 15...

This assignment is a 1500 word 'clinical update' journal article. The format for this article is similar to that of the 'ANF clinical update' series published in the Australian Nur

Can you explain antibiotics, Q. Can you explain Antibiotics? The antibi...

Q. Can you explain Antibiotics? The antibiotics are the chemicals produced by microorganisms which are able to destroy or inhibit the growth of other microorganisms. The therap

What causes the signs, In the case story, Reggie presented with three typic...

In the case story, Reggie presented with three typical signs of hip fracture-shortening, adduction, and the lateral rotation of the affected limb. What causes these signs? (HINT-th

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd