A recent study suggests that breastmilk from vaccinated mothers may be able to protect infants from the disease as the world continues to deal with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, researchers are searching for new strategies to safeguard vulnerable populations. According to this latest study, antibodies that can guard against the virus can be passed on to newborns through the milk of women who have received both vaccine doses.
Breastmilk and COVID
More proof that infants too young to get the vaccine are protected by the COVID-19 vaccine is provided by a recent study from the University of Florida.
This research builds on data from a 2021 study that showed antibodies to COVID-19, the virus that causes SARS-CoV-2 in breast milk from people who had received the vaccination. The latest research, which was written up in the Journal of Perinatology, examined the infants’ faeces after they drank this breast milk and discovered SARS-CoV-2 antibodies there as well.
These results show that breastfeeding may be a way for the mother to pass on her immunity to the baby, since babies can’t get vaccinated yet because their immune systems aren’t fully developed. The researchers said that this could be a good start to protecting newborns who are vulnerable during the pandemic, even if more research needs to be done to confirm these results. They also say that mothers who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and want to breastfeed their babies shouldn’t worry about the virus spreading through their milk.
Vaccine Efficacy
The effectiveness of a vaccine—in this example, COVID-19—to prevent disease is known as vaccine efficacy. The scientists demonstrated that the antibodies identified in the infants’ faeces provided defense against the virus using a procedure known as a neutralization assay. To begin the assay, antibodies are extracted from the stool and added to a line of cells designed to mimic the receptors the SARS-CoV-2 virus employs to enter cells. The SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus, which imitates the virus that causes COVID-19 but is less dangerous to handle in the lab, is then shown by the researchers. Due to the fluorescent nature of the pseudovirus, when it attaches to a cell, the cell glows.But experts warn that more study and data must be gathered before there can be any firm conclusions about how effective this sort of defense actually is.
Antibody Transfer via Breastmilk
It is a well-known truth that breast milk gives babies the vital nutrients and immune-supporting substances they need. But according to current research, COVID-19-vaccinated mothers’ breast milk may be able to give infants an even more crucial form of defense: antibodies.
This gives the child an extra layer of protection against the virus. As part of the global effort to stop the pandemic, it is important to encourage women to breastfeed their babies for as long as they can.
Challenges to Consider
Because of the novel coronavirus epidemic, there have been many changes to daily life, especially for new moms. Concerns about the hazards and advantages for nursing or pregnant women have been highlighted in light of the release of the COVID-19 vaccination. Newborns of immunized mothers may be protected against the virus by breastmilk, but there are still certain issues to take into account before making any decisions.
Although studies have shown that vaccinated mothers can pass on their immunity to their newborns through breastmilk, it is still unknown if this will trigger a strong enough immune response to shield infants from the virus. Also, it’s still not clear how much protection immunizations can give to newborns who get antibodies from their mothers’ breast milk, even if they reduce the severity of symptoms and the number of people who have to go to the hospital when they get COVID-19.
Conclusion
It is clear that breastfeeding from a mother who has been immunized is good for both the mother and the child. Infants are not only helped to avoid COVID-19, but are also given the nutrition and antibodies required to build a robust immune system. Health experts have always said that breastfeeding is the best way for babies to get food, and this study backs up their claims. It is very important that all pregnant women who are thinking about nursing get all the information they need about the pros and cons of their choice.
Disclosure:: This article contains affiliate and informative links. We may get compensation at no additional cost to you for purchases made through the links. The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of OneFitDay Editorial.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult with a licensed professional if there are any questions or concerns about the side effects or negative adverse reactions.
