IIT Roorkee Reveals Mother’s Milk as Natural Probiotic Shield
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Synopsis
The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee has made a remarkable discovery regarding the benefits of mother’s milk in enhancing infant health, revealing its potential role in delivering probiotics effectively.
Key Takeaways
- IIT Roorkee has discovered the benefits of mother’s milk in infant health.
- The Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM) serves as a protective barrier.
- Probiotics in mother’s milk enhance gut health.
- This research could lead to improved infant formulas.
- It aligns with government health initiatives.
Roorkee (Uttarakhand), Feb 25 (NationPress) The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) announced a significant finding regarding the role of mother’s milk in enhancing infant health. The research, featured in the Food Chemistry journal, investigates how fat globules in human milk can function as a natural carrier for probiotics, potentially leading to the creation of advanced baby formulas that provide nutrition while also promoting gut health.
The study, directed by Professor Kiran Ambatipudi from the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, examines the Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM), a vital component of mother’s milk.
The findings indicate that this membrane serves as a protective barrier, ensuring that beneficial probiotic bacteria successfully reach an infant’s digestive tract.
These probiotics play a crucial role in developing a newborn’s gut microbiome, particularly in premature infants, enhancing their immune system and overall well-being.
By studying two key types of beneficial bacteria present in infants, the team found that these microbes effectively colonize the gut and support a healthy digestive system.
Crucially, the milk fat globule membrane acts as a protective shield, safeguarding these probiotics as they navigate through the stomach and intestines.
This distinct feature boosts the survival and functionality of beneficial bacteria while shielding the infant's gut from harmful microbes and oxidative damage.
The results of this research indicate a promising potential for developing functional infant formulas.
Utilizing components of mother’s milk as a delivery mechanism for probiotics could transform infant nutrition, making formulas more effective in replicating the advantages of natural breastfeeding.
This groundbreaking research aligns with the Indian government's initiatives, such as Ayushman Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat, which promote health and self-sufficiency through scientific progress.
