A recent study has found that the milk of mothers who have been vaccinated against the coronavirus contains antibodies that may protect their infants from infection. According to a report published by the British newspaper "Independent," further research is needed to determine the effects of these antibodies on infants' immunity.
Researchers from the University of Florida stated that their findings could have a positive impact on vaccination rates among pregnant and nursing women who consider the vaccines safe for themselves, yet many remain hesitant about vaccination. The study analyzed the milk of 21 breastfeeding mothers who worked in healthcare, with participants registered from December 2020, when vaccines became available to healthcare workers, through March 2021.
Blood and milk tests were conducted at three intervals to detect antibodies before vaccination, following the first dose, and after the second dose. Scientists found that the amount of antibodies in the mother's milk after the second dose increased by 100 times, playing a significant role in immunity and infection defense.
Dr. Joseph New, a co-author of the study and a professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology at the University of Florida, noted that many mothers and pregnant women are apprehensive about getting vaccinated, as they want what is best for their children. He mentioned that the research aimed to determine whether the vaccine would indeed provide some benefits.
The study recommended conducting more intensive studies to confirm the researchers' findings. The lead author of the study, Dr. Joseph Larkin, explained that since infants are born without a developed immune system and are too young to be vaccinated, they are more susceptible to illnesses, but mother’s milk can help strengthen their immunity against infections.
He highlighted that "milk is a dynamic substance," indicating that what the mother and child are exposed to in their environment creates changes in the milk that align with those conditions, potentially helping the child specifically. According to the British newspaper, the study did not determine whether the antibodies found in breast milk effectively protect children against COVID-19 and its variants, nor the extent of that protection, but scientists said they are exploring this through further research.
