THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BREASTFEEDING FOR THE INFANT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT: A REVIEW

Abstract

Based on the literature, the review shows the real value of breast milk as the most optimal type of postnatal feeding of infants. We describe biological mechanisms that are supposed to mediate the influence of breastfeeding on maturation of immune response, regulation of intestinal functions, trophic effect on small and large intestinal mucosa, its microflora and somatic growth of an infant. In infancy, the protective properties of breast milk against intestinal infections are largely related to its prebiotic effect. According to the results of the studies on the structure of the milk fat mycella envelope, their protein not only participate in bacterial adhesion, but also exert substantial anti-microbial activity due to presence of antimicrobial components. We discuss the role of protective nutrients, such as zinc, iron, iodine, selenium and vitamin A and review the results of studies performed in various countries and aimed at evaluation of an association between the type of feeding of an infant in the 1 year of life and the risk of development of somatic abnormalities. A strong influence of micronutrient deficiencies in the pregnant and breastfeeding woman on delay of in utero development has been shown, as well as its contribution to formation of congenital ab- st normalities of any organ or system, connective tissue dysplasia, initiation and development of alimentary-related conditions in infants.

Keywords

• infants
• breast milk
• protective factors
• gut microflora
• immune system of an infant
• nutrition