Breast feeding immunisation
Hanson
LA. Human milk and host defence: immediate and long-term effects. Acta Paediatr Suppl.
1999 Aug;88(430):42-6. Review. PMID: 10569222 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Convincing studies demonstrate significant protection during breastfeeding against
diarrhoea, respiratory tract infections, otitis media, bacteraemia, bacterial meningitis,
botulism, urinary tract infections and necrotizing enterocolitis. There is also good
evidence for enhanced protection for years after the termination of breastfeeding against
Haemophilus influenzae type b infections, otitis media, diarrhoea, respiratory tract
infections and wheezing bronchitis. In some reports breastfeeding has also improved
vaccine responses. Several studies show that milk may actively stimulate the immune system
of the offspring via transfer of anti-idiotypic antibodies and lymphocytes. This may
explain why breastfeeding diminishes the risk of developing coeliac disease. Some
investigations suggest that there may also be a similar effect on allergic diseases and
autoimmune diseases, as well as inflammatory bowel diseases and certain tumours. This
needs to be confirmed.