Stem cells in breast milk could fulfil baby's 'genetic destiny'

London, Nov 22 (ANI): A new research has found three different types
of stem cells in breast milk which may be the reason why mother's milk
is deemed best for babies.

Dr Mark Cregan, medical director at the Swiss healthcare and baby
equipment company Medela, has discovered adult stem cells of
epithelial (mammary) and immune origin and found "very preliminary
evidence" that stem cells in breast milk boost the growth of muscle
and bone tissue.

According to him, mother's milk could enable a child to "fulfil its
genetic destiny".

"Breast milk is the only adult tissue where more than one type of stem
cell has been discovered. That is very unique and implies a lot about
the impressive bioactivity of breast milk and the consequential
benefits to the breastfed infant," the Independent quoted Dr Cregan,
as saying.

He explained: "There is a plentiful resource of tissue-specific stem
cells in breast milk, which are readily available and from a
non-invasive and completely ethical source."

Dr Cregan said the discovering the immune stem cells was the "most
exciting development" and added: "It's quite possible that immune
cells in breast milk can survive digestion and end up in the infant's
circulation. This has been shown to be occurring in animals, and so it
would be unsurprising if this was also occurring in human infants."

The study will also further research on issues like why some mothers
struggle to produce milk and help the testing of new drugs that could
improve milk production. (ANI)

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Alizio