Latest Research, Can Breastfeeding Protect Babies from Covid-19 Infection?

Suara.com – Recent research show about (breast milk) can help protect baby so as not to be infected with the Corona virus (Covid-19).

Researchers in a Chinese laboratory found that breast milk prevents pathogens from infecting and multiplying within cells, even if the baby does not have antibodies. Not only that, breast milk has been proven to be more effective than milk for other animals such as goats and cows.

A team of scientists from the Beijing University of Chemical Technology said the findings support recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) that mothers with suspected or confirmed Covid-19 infections be encouraged to continue breastfeeding their babies.

In research that has been published on the pre-peer review site bioRxiv.org, a team of experts exposed human lung and intestinal cells to Covid-19. Next, the scientists analyzed what effect the pre-pandemic breast milk had on cells.

Healthy cells are mixed into human breast milk. Then the milk is washed and the cells are exposed to the virus. Viruses do not bind or enter most cells. In addition, if it does enter cells, the virus cannot make copies of itself.

“Covid-19 can infect cells and infection can be inhibited by breast milk (2 mg / ml) which is reported to have anti-Covid-19 activity,” wrote the scientists. Dailymail, Thursday (1/10/2020).

In previous research, the same team of scientists found breast milk prevented Corona virus infection in animal kidney cells. Whey protein from breast milk which has anti-inflammatory properties is responsible for inactivating viruses than other proteins such as lactoferrin.

“Whey protein from breast milk effectively inhibits Covid-19 by blocking virus adherence, entry, and even viral replication after entry,” added the scientists.

Similar results were found when milk was tested from other animals including cows and goats. However, whey from animals suppressed viral strains by about 70 percent compared to whey from humans at almost 100 percent.

A national study is currently being carried out by Washington State University to determine whether babies can catch the Corona virus from breastfeeding or not.

To date, limited research has been conducted on the topic, but results have been mixed. Some studies have found no virus in breast milk, while others detect viral RNA only in certain milk samples.

One of them, at least two studies each from China and the United States found no evidence of Covid-19 in human breast milk.

But the WHO report found that out of 46 breast milk samples belonging to infected mothers, 43 were negative while three samples tested positive for particles.

However, the team said that even if the genetic material for the virus was found in breast milk, that does not mean it is contagious or can spread to babies.

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