Title:Breast-Milk Characteristics Protecting Against Allergy
VOLUME: 14 ISSUE: 1
Author(s):Federica Minniti, Pasquale Comberiati, Daniel Munblit, Giorgio L. Piacentini, Elisa Antoniazzi, Laura Zanoni, Attilio L. Boner and Diego G. Peroni
Affiliation:Department of Pediatrics, G.B. Rossi Polyclinic, Piazzale L.A. Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy.
Keywords:Allergy, atopy, breast-milk, breastfeeding, cytokines, environment, immunoglobulin, nutrients.
Abstract:Breast milk and colostrum are the first feeding sources for a child, providing nutrients, growth factors and
immunological components, which are crucial for the newborn’s correct development and health. Length of exclusive
breastfeeding and time of solid foods introduction is a key factor that may influence allergy development. There is an
emerging evidence of a relationship between breastfeeding, milk composition and lower risk of chronic diseases, such as
diabetes, obesity, hypertension and allergies. This review examines current evidence regarding humoral and cellular
characteristics of breast-milk, and potential role of environment, maternal diet and breastfeeding on the allergy
development in children.
