APPSPGHAN 2022

Yong Joo Kim

Professor of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Hanyang University

Korea

Professor Yong Joo KIM is a current Professor of Pediatrics, at the College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Korea. She was awarded a Ph.D. in 1994 from the Hanyang University, Korea. She has multiple academic publication in the field of Pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition. Professor KIM is active in multiple professional societies and was the past President of The Korean Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition.

The immunomodulatory properties of breastmilk

Nutrition Symposium: Breastfeeding and complementary feeding

13 October 2022 (1600-1730) @ Sipadan Hall 3

Human neonates and infants are unable to develop a mature immune system promptly. Breast feeding at this stage of their lives is important as human milk contains bio-compound that can protect them against specific infections. The bioactive components of human milk are known to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects and can therefore contribute to an infant’s immunity against allergies, asthma, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory bowel disease. The bioactive factors are the nutritional components (macronutrients, lactoferrin, transferrin, vitamin B12-binding protein), hormones (erythropoietin, prolactin, insulin, gonadotropins, ovarian steroids, thyroid-releasing hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, etc.), growth factors (epithelial growth factor, insulin-like growth factor, etc.), neuropeptides (neurotensin, somatostatin, bombesin, etc.), cytokines (TNFα, IL-6, etc.), prebiotics, and nucleotides. The immunological factors in human milk are human milk leukocytes, lymphocytes, proinflammatory cytokines, immunoglobulins, etc. Human milk oligosaccharides is very important in immunomodulatory effects of human colostrum and milk, enhancing immune function, protecting and favoring gastrointestinal mucosa integrity and barrier function. The ingredients in human milk that contribute to its immunomodulatory effects are very diverse, and each bears characteristics that need to be individually well studied. Such knowledge can lead to effective education for breastfeeding mothers and ultimately help to augment the health of their babies. Key Words: Human milk; Immunomodulatory effect; Breastfeeding

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