COVID+ mothers produce anti-bodies in breast milk

A study has found that breast milk contains antibodies after Covid recovery.

Women who have tested positive for coronavirus can continue to secrete antibodies into their breast milk for up to 10 months following their recovery.

Dr Sarika Gupta said: “The recent published literature has found that the IgA antibodies found in the breast milk of previously infected nursing mothers continue to be secreted for 10 months. These antibodies provide passive immunity to infants and can also be potentially used to treat COVID 19 infection in sick patients.”

Gupta also said of how more studies will be required as time goes on to check the value of Immunoglobin antibodies to treat infection.

Dr Rebecca Powell - who analysed breast milk samples from 75 women who had previously suffered from Covid - noted that it could be an "inredible therapy."

She told The Indian Express: "“It means that if you continue breastfeeding, you’re still giving those antibodies in your milk. It could be an incredible therapy, because Secretory IgA is meant to be in these mucosal areas, such as the lining of the respiratory tract, and it survives and functions very well there. You could imagine if it was used in a nebuliser-type treatment, it might be very effective during that window where the person has gotten quite sick, but they’re not yet at the point of [being admitted to intensive care]".

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