Breast milk offers the following protection against infections and allergies:

Question

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Breast milk contains antibodies that can help protect infants against infections and diseases that the mother's immune system has encountered. This provides passive immunity to the infant, which helps their own immune system develop and fight off infections. Breast milk does contain lactose, but it also has enzymes that help infants digest it. Iron levels in breast milk are not as high as in formula, but breast milk is better absorbed by the infant's body. Breast milk has been shown to reduce the risk of allergies, likely due to its immunomodulatory properties. Additionally, HIV-positive mothers who breastfeed are at a higher risk of passing the virus to their infants, but exclusive breastfeeding with antiretroviral drug treatment can significantly reduce this risk.

Breast Milk Offers the Following Protection Against Infections and Allergies