[rulba]

Hi everyone,

Sorry if this is asked in the wrong forum, it is just out of curiosity.

Normally when we are processing antibodies in the lab, we are dealing with the challenge that they tend to be unstable if heated, agitated etc. However our doctor said that it was very important, that my child was receiving milk from his mother instead of bought milk aid, since it would transfer her antibodies to our child and he would benefit from a better immune system. However how should it be able to cross all the membranes, survive the stomach acid etc. if so unstable? Antibodies are normally always given I.V, due to these facts. Is it just an old story and the benefits from naturally "mum milk" in fact are from the combination of ingredients and naturally formulation of human milk instead of the antibodies?

Kindest regards

[Arkcon]

So briefly, how do human lactation antibodies survive infant digestion?  There are a number of factors at hand.  Mammals use IgG in their circulation, but secrete others in body fluids -- IgA, IgM, and these are stabilized by other proteins bound to them.  The infant digestion system is weaker, and doesn't really hydrolyze proteins well.  There are other factors, not antibodies, in human malk that defends the baby -- complement and bactericidal enzymes.  And some things linger in the GI tract, even in adults.  You can real all about it, and more in this journal article:  http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=886892