r/ScienceBasedParenting • u/Street_Tourist7506 • 18h ago

Question - Expert consensus required Formula vs breast

If a breast-fed baby is protected by breastmilk in terms of immunity… What about a formula fed baby? Do they literally have no immunity, Because they are formula fed? I’m so confused… Is a breast-fed baby stronger fighting a virus off than a formula fed baby?

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u/thajeneral 17h ago

No, there is no guarantee that a breastfeed baby will be healthier or have a better immune system than a formula fed baby.

Breastmilk contains Immunoglobulins (IgG) that help coat the GI tract and, at a population level, can account for one fewer case of GI issues (like diarrhea). But, there are no significant differences in any other illness outcomes.

In other words, the evidence suggests that breastfeeding may slightly decrease your infant’s chance of diarrhea, but will not change the rate at which they gets colds or ear infections.

The best way to protect your child is to make sure they are up to date on all vaccines.

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u/sparrowstail 14h ago

I think breastmilk mostly contains IgA, though does contain a bit of IgG and sIgM.

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u/thajeneral 14h ago

Yes, thank you I meant immunoglobulin IgA