A midwifery officer at the 37 Military Hospital, Kezia Konlaa, has shed light on the powerful nutritional benefits of breast milk, describing it as nature’s complete meal for infants.
In an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb’s Mary Ampeh on August 4, 2025, on the back of World Breastfeeding Week, which is being marked from August 1-7, she explained that breast milk contains a rich blend of nutrients which are essential for infants.
She noted that it contains immune-boosting compounds that are essential for a baby’s growth, development, and protection from illness.
“Breastfeeding is more than feeding; it’s an investment in your child’s lifelong health,” she said.
Here are seven key nutrients and compounds found in breast milk:
1.Fats – Fuel for the Brain
Fats make up nearly 50% of the calories in breast milk. They are vital for brain development and include long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) like DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid), which are crucial for cognitive function and vision.
2. Carbohydrates – The Body’s Energy Source
The primary carbohydrate in breast milk is lactose. It not only provides energy but also helps with the absorption of calcium, which is important for healthy bones and teeth.
3. Proteins – Building Blocks for Growth
Breast milk contains easily digestible proteins such as casein, alpha-lactalbumin, lactoferrin, and immunoglobulin A. These support tissue development, fight infections, and promote a healthy gut.
4. Vitamins – Vital for Development
Breast milk supplies a wide range of vitamins including A, D, E, K, and C, as well as B vitamins like riboflavin and niacin. These play various roles in supporting vision, immunity, bone growth, and metabolism.
5. Minerals – for Strong Bones and Immunity
Key minerals in breast milk include iron, zinc, and calcium. Iron in breast milk is highly bioavailable, meaning babies absorb it more efficiently compared to iron from other sources.
6. Antimicrobial Agents – Natural Defenders
Breast milk contains powerful infection-fighting substances like lysozyme and lactoferrin. This help protect babies from bacteria and viruses, especially in the first few months of life.
7. Immune and Growth Factors – Supporting Lifelong Health
Bioactive components like epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), and immune cells help boost the infant’s developing immune system and support healthy tissue development.
Konlaa emphasised that the composition of breast milk can change based on the mother’s diet and stage of lactation.
She encouraged breastfeeding mothers to eat a balanced diet to ensure optimal milk quality.
Ghanaweb
