A recent medical study revealed that breastfeeding contributes to strengthening children’s immunity and reducing chronic inflammation, positively impacting their health throughout life.

According to Medical Express, researchers from Australia’s Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, in collaboration with international research institutions, confirmed that understanding how breast milk components affect the immune system opens new avenues to improve the health of all children, including those who were not breastfed.

The researchers explained that lower rates of infections and inflammation in children who were breastfed for a long period reduce their risk of chronic childhood diseases such as allergies, diabetes, and asthma.

The researchers analyzed data from about 900 infants and reviewed around 800 types of fats and other metabolic markers in the blood up to 12 months of age. The results showed a broad impact of breastfeeding on these vital elements and revealed a distinctive role for a type of fat called “plasmalogens,” abundant in breast milk, in reducing inflammation. This type of fat is usually not present in formula milk.

Dr. Satvika Borugubali from the Baker Institute stated, “Breast milk is rich in fats and essential nutrients, in addition to antibodies and white blood cells, which enhance the immune system of newborns.” She pointed out that the study identified key biological pathways explaining how breastfeeding improves immune health and reduces inflammation, thereby lowering the risk of chronic diseases in the future.