The following points are considered as advantages of breast milk (human milk) over the milk formula
The breast milk (human milk) is enriched with omega 3 fatty acids such as DHA and AA which are essential for brain development. The fat content of breast milk automatically adjusts itself to the growing needs of the infants. The level of these fatty acids proportionally declines, as the baby grows older. These characteristics are completely lacking in milk formula. Breast milk is rich in good cholesterol, it is almost absorbed from the intestine and endowed with lipase, which helps in splitting fat and its subsequent absorption.
The protein present in breast milk will form soft curd and whey proteins are easily digestible. Higher amounts are present in the milk of mothers who deliver pre-term. Breast milk is rich in lactoferrin, an iron binding protein, which acts as a natural antibiotic by binding with the iron present in the food and thereby making it unavailable for use by microorganisms and hence resulting in their destruction. It is also endowed with lysozyme, which helps in lysing the cell walls of bacteria. The protein components present in breast milk is essential for body and brain building activities and provided with good amounts of growth factors and sleep inducing proteins. These components are lacking in milk supplements.
The major component of carbohydrate present in breast milk, otherwise known as lactose, is present at higher concentration (6.89%) when compared to cow milk or milk substitutes, is essential for brain development, and the oligosaccharides present aid in the intestinal health. Read the rest of this entry »
