A new beneficial property of female milk

Oligosaccharides contained in women’s milk can help prevent the group B streptococci in infections in newborns. Its conclusions about the new useful property of these substances, scientists presented at the meeting of American chemical society.

causing sepsis and meningitis, as well as streptococci-resistant streptococci groups B are often transmitted from the mother to the child during childbirth and delivery. Therefore, the pregnant women, who have tests revealed the presence of these bacteria, give antibiotics to prevent newborn infections with early begin (during the first week of life). Interestingly, in cases of streptococcal infections with late beginnings (from week to three months), babies were frustrated on artificial feeding.

Researchers from the University of Vanderbet have studied in the laboratory, the effect of oligosaccharides allocated from the female milk of the group B placental macrophages and fetal shell cells. Carbohydrates managed to suppress the reproduction of bacteria in both cases. Supported oligosaccharides streptococcal infection and pregnant mice.

According to scientists, these carbohydrates can prevent streptococcal infections for two reasons: they act as an anti-adhesive agent, mixing bacteria to attach to tissues and prebiotic, stimulating the growth of “useful” bacteria

At the same time, find out which of more than 200 oligosaccharides of female milk have antimicrobial effect, the researchers have not yet succeeded. “If we can learn more about how they act, then it is possible, we will be able to treat various types of diseases with a set of oligosaccharides from female milk. Perhaps one day they will be replaced by antibiotics for both children and adults,” one is divided by its expectations. From researchers Stephen Townsend.

/Media reports.