Abstract
Author(s): Barbara Broers (ABEF), Matylda Czosnykowska-Åukacka (BDEF), Urszula Sioma-Markowska (BDEF), Anna Halarewicz-Ciasullo (BDE), Barbara Królak-Olejnik (DEF)
Breast milk is a unique bioactive substance essential for the development of the newborn’s immature immune and digestive systems. The health-promoting effect of breast milk plays an important role in maintaining health and helps neonates adapt to the extrauterine life after birth. Due to the specific composition and, in particular, the presence of bioactive components, human milk limits the occurrence of lifestyle diseases. Recent studies on the composition of breast milk provide new evidence for the value of human milk in neonatal nutrition. The historical transformation of old Lactaria into modern human milk banks (HMB) is associated with the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding and the use of breast milk as a part of therapy in neonatal intensive care units. Modern medical knowledge guarantees safe transfer of milk to potential recipients. Procedures regarding the requirements of the processing of breast milk in nutritional therapy and the qualification of donors to HMB are currently providing a high standardized control of milk quality.