Stem Cells In Breast Milk

by Mammas Milk Bar

Breast milk isn’t just nutrition—it’s packed with stem cells! These tiny powerhouses make up 1-2% of milk cells, can turn into brain, liver, bone tissue, and may cut inflammation by 30% in lab tests. Some even survive digestion to reach baby’s organs!

  1. Abundance: Stem cells account for 1-2% of all cells in human breast milk—hundreds of thousands per feeding—identified as pluripotent (able to become multiple cell types), per lab analyses.
  2. Tissue Potential: Studies show these stem cells can differentiate into neurons, hepatocytes (liver cells), and osteoblasts (bone cells) in vitro, hinting at regenerative roles in baby’s body.
  3. Survival Rate: Up to 10% of milk stem cells survive the infant’s stomach acid and reach the bloodstream or organs, as observed in mouse models fed human milk stem cells.
  4. Anti-Inflammatory Power: In lab settings, breast milk stem cells reduce inflammation markers (like TNF-α) by 30%, suggesting they could help heal gut or lung damage in preemies.
  5. Long-Term Mystery: Researchers estimate 1-5% of stem cells might integrate into a baby’s tissues long-term—potentially influencing development or repair years later—though human data is still emerging.

References

  • NIH - Stem Cells in Breast Milk 
  • Stem Cells Translational Medicine - Milk Stem Cells 
  • Frontiers in Pediatrics - Stem Cell Benefits
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