Nutrition in immune defence, the role of milk and its natural components, a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: the World Health Organisation (WHO) stresses the fundamental importance of exclusive breastfeeding. This approach helps prevent diseases that cause infant mortality, while decreasing the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, diabetes, and heart disease and hypertension in women. Objective: to analyse the importance of maternal nutrition by studying the components of milk in order to prevent pathologies in the short term. Methodology: a systematic search was carried out by reviewing the literature in scientific databases such as Pubmed, Elsevier, Springer, Scopus, Scielo published in the last 5 years, considering significant contributions in the areas of paediatrics and neonatology, as well as theoretical approaches, with the aim of reflecting the controversies that arise around avoidable pathologies in exclusive breastfeeding. Results: breastfeeding provides essential nutrients and immunological components that strengthen infant health and protect against disease by offering benefits such as protection against infectious diseases and allergies, and promotes optimal cognitive development. Although breastmilk substitutes have improved, they cannot match its unique benefits. Conclusion: exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is critical to the health of the newborn, providing essential nutrients and strengthening the immune system. Although breast substitutes have advanced, they cannot match the benefits of breastfeeding. The importance of promoting breastfeeding to improve infant health and prevent disease is emphasized.