Components of Breast Milk: An Overview

Human breast milk produced by the mammary glands is a complex biological fluid. The components of breast milk serve the function of nutrition and development of immune system for newborns. The bioactive factors in breast milk consists of nutritional elements along with a wide variety of immunological factors, anti-inflammatory agents and cells. The composition of milk changes in different stages of lactation suiting the needs of the newborn. The cellular composition of breast milk; especially the stem cell population is of great interest for researchers regarding its functions in newborn and its possible applications in regenerative medicine. The nature of breast milk derived stem cells needs to be characterized to explore the potential role of breast milk in regeneration and neurological functions.