Breast milk may protect against devastating newborn disease [VIDEO]

 

Transcript

Travel nursing professionals are well aware that breast milk is a balanced form of nutrition for infants, with plenty of protein, carbs and vitamins and minerals that allow babies to grow strong and healthy. Now, findings from new study add to the long list of breast milk benefits.

A protein called neuregulin-4 (NRG4), which is present in breast milk but not infant formula, may protect newborns from a potentially deadly gastrointestinal disease named necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), according to research published in the American Journal of Pathology.

Without the NRG4 protein, a defense mechanism for the immature gut may be missing. Though NEC is rare – affecting about 10 percent of babies who weigh under 3.3 pounds – it takes the lives of nearly half of its victims.

Travel nursing specialists should continue to encourage new mothers to breast feed their children whenever possible, citing this crucial NRG4 protein as a yet another strong reason to do so.

Thanks for listening, and be sure to check back soon for more travel nursing news.