Prakt. lékáren. 2010; 6(3): 135-137

Breast milk as a source of bacteria with potentially probiotic effects

MUDr.Jiří Bronský, Ph.D.

Pediatrická klinika UK 2. LF a FN Motol, Praha

Probiotics and biotherapeutic agents are defined as live microorganisms that, following ingestion, modify the composition of the human

intestinal microflora, thus bringing health benefits. In several recent years, these microorganisms have been the subject of major medical

interest. In early twenty-first century, initial scientific papers appeared concerning possible probiotic potential of bacterial strains

isolated from breast milk. The composition of the intestinal microflora is primarily dependent on intestinal colonization immediately

after birth the sources of which may be the vaginal mucosa, maternal intestinal microflora, hospital-like environment of the maternity

unit and, possibly, the bacteria present in maternal breast milk. Given the fact that breast milk is the gold standard for infant nutrition

and the development of infant formulae, it is essential to elucidate the role of bacteria present in human breast milk and their relationship

to prebiotic oligosaccharides. The author summarizes some up-to-date knowledge on probiotics and their potential occurrence in

human breast milk.

Keywords: breast milk, probiotics, prebiotics, colonization, bacteria

Published: June 1, 2010  Show citation