Researchers from Queen Mary, University of London have found an ingredient in human breast milk helps protect and repair the intestines of newborn babies.

Scientists have recently found that colostrum, the breast milk produced in the first few days after birth contains particularly high levels of an ingredient called pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor (PSTI).  This ingredient is present in breast milk after this initial period, but the study results showed it to be seven times more concentrated in the samples of colostrum they tested.  PSTI is not found in formula milk.

PSTI is normally found in the pancreas and acts as a protective agent from being damaged by the digestive enzymes it produces.  Research shows that it plays a similarly protective role in the gut.

In the study, the researchers looked at the effects of PSTI on human intestinal cells.  When damage was inflicted on the intestinal cells in the laboratory, the researchers found that PSTI stimulated the cells to move across the damaged area forming a ‘natural protective plaster’.  PSTI also prevented further damage by preventing the intestinal cells from self-destructing.  Research shows that PSTI could reduce damage by up to 75%.

The team of researchers at Queen Mary, University of London was led by Professor Ray Playford of Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry.  He commented:

“We know that breast milk is made up of a host of different ingredients and we also know that there are a number of health benefits for babies who are breast-fed.”

“This study is important because it shows that a component of breast milk protects and repairs the babies delicate intestines in readiness for the onslaught of all the food and drink that are to come.”

“It reinforces the benefits of breast feeding, especially in the first few days after birth.”

Sources:

Marchbank et al. Pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor as a najor motogenic and protective factor in human breast milk.  Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol, 296: G697-G703, 2009