IIT Roorkee Study Reveals Mother's Milk as a Natural Shield for Probiotics

Uttarakhand: The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) has made a significant breakthrough in understanding the role of mother’s milk in enhancing infant health. Researchers have discovered that human milk fat globules act as a natural carrier for probiotics, potentially revolutionizing baby nutrition.

Published in the journal Food Chemistry, the study was led by Professor Kiran Ambatipudi from the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering. It focuses on the Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM), a bioactive component of breast milk, which plays a crucial role in safeguarding probiotics and ensuring their effective delivery to an infant’s gut.

According to the researchers, MFGM forms a protective barrier around probiotic bacteria, shielding them from the harsh acidic environment of the stomach and ensuring their safe passage to the intestines. This feature is particularly beneficial for premature infants, whose developing gut microbiome relies on probiotics to build immunity and improve overall health.

The team studied two strains of beneficial bacteria commonly found in infants and observed their ability to colonize the gut efficiently. The findings indicate that these microbes significantly contribute to digestive health, while the milk fat globule membrane enhances their survival and functionality. Additionally, MFGM helps protect the infant’s gut from harmful microbes and oxidative stress, further supporting immune development.

This discovery could have significant implications for the infant formula industry. By incorporating MFGM as a natural carrier for probiotics, baby formulas could more closely replicate the benefits of breastfeeding, offering enhanced gut protection and immune support. The study suggests that using human milk components in formula development may improve infant nutrition, making it a viable alternative for non-breastfed babies.

The findings align with national health initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat, which emphasize scientific advancements to improve healthcare and self-reliance. This research marks a major step forward in infant nutrition, with the potential to set new standards for baby formula composition.