Breastmilk builds baby’s gut and brain, science says

The Story in Brief

Every breastfeed delivers more than nutrition, according to new research highlighted during World Breastfeeding Week. Human milk contains Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) that babies cannot digest; instead, these sugars feed beneficial gut bacteria, strengthening the gut lining and immune system. The gut and brain communicate constantly through the gut-brain axis, meaning a healthy microbiome may influence learning and behaviour. Breastmilk also supplies DHA, a key structural component of the growing brain. The body prioritises milk quality even when a mother's diet is imperfect, though DHA levels reflect what she eats, sources like low-mercury fish or algae-based supplements.

The New Indian Express reports that breastfeeding supports cognitive development, language skills, and IQ later in childhood, backed by imaging studies showing greater myelination. Close physical contact during feeds adds emotional security that further aids brain development. The piece underscores that breastmilk is a complex biological system, not just food, laying a foundation for lifelong health.