The document discusses the importance of breastfeeding for infant gut development and immunity. It notes that 60-70% of the immune system is located in the gut. Breastfeeding establishes healthy gut bacteria and yeast that play important digestive and immune roles. The WHO and other organizations recommend exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months. Breastfeeding passes immunity to infants through antibodies and supports the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut while discouraging harmful bacteria. This healthy gut development can reduce the risk of food allergies, autoimmune diseases, and other issues later in life.

1. The Importance of
Breastfeeding on infant
Gut development
Dr. Alexander J. Rinehart, DC, MS, CCN, CNS
http://www.DrAlexRinehart.com

2. Immune System and the Gut
 60-70% of your immune system cells are located in the gut as part of the Gut-
Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT)
 Gut is an inner tube that can be thought of as “outside” the body
 It serves as a primary defense between the “outside” and “inside world of the
body.

3. Breast-feeding and Gut Health
 Gut bacteria and yeast play important digestive and immune roles throughout
life.
 Breast-feeding during the first few weeks of life is a critical strategy to
ensure healthy balance of good bacteria (“probiotics”) in an infant’s gut!

4. Breastfeeding Guidelines
 World Health Organization recommends EXCLUSIVE breastfeeding
for at least 6 months for optimal outcomes.
 The American Academy of Pediatrics, European Society for
Pediatric Allergology and Clinical Immunology, & the European
Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition
ALL recommend exclusive breastfeeding for food allergy prevention.

5. Longterm Breastfeeding
 Nutrition Professionals recommend breastfeeding for up to 18-24
months.
 Hypoallergenic foods introduced one at a time starting at 6 months
 More allergenic foods such as corn, wheat, dairy, soy, peanuts, eggs,
& shellfish introduced later
 Latest research indicates waiting too long to introduce allergenic
foods can also be problematic, but that each should still be
introduced one at a time.

6. Breastfeeding and Immunity
 Immunity passed from mother through breastmilk
 Antibodies
 Lauric Acid/Monolaurin
 Establish healthy bacteria even after antibiotic usage
 A baby’s saliva actually may communicate with the mother and alter the
composition of the milk based on the baby’s unique needs!
 A lactating mother with an allergy or sensitivity to certain foods may trigger a
reaction (ex. Stool composition, rash/atopic dermatitis, vomiting etc) in the
baby if she is exposed to the food but the baby is not.

7. Breastfeeding and Immunity (Cont’d)
 Breastfed infants have more acidic and protective gut environment
 Favors development of healthy bifidobacteria
 Disfavors growth of potentially harmful bacteria such as E. Coli, Bacterioides,
Clostridia, and Streptococci
 Breastfed infants receive sIgA from their mothers.
 sIgA is a passive antibody protection that lines the infant’s gut and protects from
foreign antigens.
 It is considered a first-line defense so that 2nd and 3rd tier immune defenses do not
need to be called upon.

8. Development of Food Allergies and
Sensitivities
 Allergenic foods introduced too early can “turn on”
allergy-promoting genes that may not be experienced
until later in life.
 Low-level food reactions can contribute to “leaky gut” –
affecting healthy gut flora, nutrient absorption, and
vulnerability to immune reactions later in life.

9. Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding
 Within as little as 4 days of life, growth of Bifidobacterium in the guts of
breastfed infants can be over 300% higher than in formula-fed infants.
 Just one bottle of cow milk formula may sensitize a susceptible infant to milk
allergy.
 Feeding with infant formula suggested to play critical role in development of
Type 1 Diabetes, an autoimmune disease of the pancreas.
 Many Autoimmune diseases such as Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may not show up until someone is 25-35 years of age,
but may be related to long-term disruptions in gut integrity and immune
balance rooting as far back as infancy!

10. C-Sections
 C-Section delivery can alter the types of bacteria found in the gut.
 First inoculation of bacteria occurs when passing through the vaginal
tract,
 First “seeding” of bacteria that will develop as the infant further
interacts with his or her mother’s antibodies, as well its new
environment.

11. Closing Thoughts
 Infants born via C-section, or who have been fed formula, or who have been
introduced to allergenic foods early, still live very normal and healthy lives
 Statistics do not equal individual outcomes
 “Next-Best” choices are still the best choices
 Not all mothers are capable of breastfeeding, there are biological and social
reasons why breastfeeding may not be an option for many mothers.
 The best treatment is always prevention
 Develop a birth plan, enlist in free classes in your health community
 Skip the books and actually learn from other mothers
 Guidelines and best practices do not always reflect individual circumstances

12.  To read a full discussion and to find references:
http://dralexrinehart.com/nutrition-
benefits/importance-of-breastfeeding-
infant-gut-development/