Anti-Infective, Anti-Inflammatory, and Immunomodulatory Properties of Breast Milk Factors for the Protection of Infants in the Pandemic From COVID-19

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic since the end of 2019 spreads worldwide, counting millions of victims. The viral invasion, systemic inflammation, and consequent organ failure are the gravest features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and they are associated with a high mortality rate. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of breast milk in the COVID-19 pandemic, analyzing its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory effects due to its bioactive components, so numerous and important for the protection of infants. The study tried to demonstrate that all the components of human milk are capable of performing functions on all the pathogenic events recognized and described in COVID-19 disease. Those human milk factors are well-tolerated and practically free of side effects, so breast milk should become a research topic to discover therapies even in this epidemic. In the first part, the mechanisms of protection and defense of the breast milk elements will be delineated; in the second section, it will describe the human milk effects in viral infections and it will be hypothesized how the known mechanisms could act in COVID infection.

Empfehlungen zu SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 in Schwangerschaft, Geburt und Wochenbett – Update November 2021 (Kurzfassung)

“…Inwiefern ein antiinfektiver Schutz des Säuglings über Antikörper in der Muttermilch von in der Stillzeit geimpfter Mütter besteht, ist Gegenstand aktueller Forschung. Auch die generellen antiinfektiösen, entzündungshemmenden und immunmodulatorischen Eigenschaften von Muttermilchfaktoren zum Schutz von Säuglingen sollten in der Entscheidungsfindung Berücksichtigung finden [102].…”

Comparing the human milk antibody response after vaccination with four COVID-19 vaccines: A prospective, longitudinal cohort study in the Netherlands

“… 9 , 10 Human milk enhances the infant's immune system as it contains bioactive components, including immunoglobulins, oligosaccharides, lactoferrin, and other mediators with pro- and anti-inflammatory factors. 11 The dominant antibody in human milk is secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA). 8 IgA has an important anti-inflammatory function by prohibiting the binding of microbes to the mucosal membranes of infants and neutralizing microbial toxins.…”

“… 8 IgA has an important anti-inflammatory function by prohibiting the binding of microbes to the mucosal membranes of infants and neutralizing microbial toxins. 10 , 11 , 12 In addition, a protective role of human milk immunoglobulin G (IgG) was suggested recently. 13 …”

Feeding Twins with Human Milk and Factors Associated with Its Duration: A Qualitative and Quantitative Study in Southern Italy

“…Exclusive feeding with breast milk is indicated for all newborns for at least 6 months [ 3 , 4 ] due to its unique beneficial properties [ 5 , 6 ]; for premature twins, human milk is important for its demonstrated protective effect against the main complications of prematurity [ 7 , 8 , 9 ] and for its role in neurocognitive development [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ].…”