Breast milk contains stem cells, which can be passed to the infant | The Biology of Breast Milk
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Stem cells have the potential to develop into different types of cells in the body. These cells are undifferentiated, so they cannot do specific functions in the body. Instead, they have the potential to become specialized cells, such as muscle, blood, or brain cells. Human breast milk contains mammary stem cells – precursor cells from the mother that may help establish organs like the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and brain, a phenomenon known as microchimerism. In this clip, Dr. Rhonda Patrick describes the strange phenomenon and role of mammary stem cells in breast milk.
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Breast milk News
- Frequent use of personal care products, such as fragrances and nail products, raises 'forever chemical' levels by 10% to 20% during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Polystyrene nanoplastic exposure alters breast milk proteins, potentially impairing neurodevelopment in breastfed infants.
- THC from a single use of cannabis accumulates in breast milk for up to 12 hours in breastfeeding women.
- Flaxseed oil supplementation boosts levels of some omega-3 fatty acids but not DHA in lactating women.
- Breastfeeding for six months or more appears to reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems developing in mothers for at least three years after delivery, according to new study.
