Do antibodies in breastfeeding affect breastmilk?

• A. Antibodies are destroyed in breast milk
• B. Breast milk contains no antibodies
• C. Breast milk causes infection in infant
• D. Antibodies can pass to infant but are not harmful

Answer: (D)

When a mother breastfeeds, she passes antibodies to the infant through the milk, especially secretory IgA, which coats the baby’s gut and helps defend against infections. This transfer provides passive immunity and helps protect the infant from gastrointestinal and respiratory pathogens as they develop.

That’s why the statement that antibodies can pass to the infant and are not harmful is the best fit. Secretory IgA is designed to survive the infant gut long enough to act locally, helping neutralize pathogens without causing disease.

The idea that antibodies are destroyed in breast milk isn’t accurate, since these antibodies are present and active in the milk. Saying there are no antibodies in breast milk is also incorrect. And breast milk does not cause infection in the infant; on the contrary, it helps protect against infections.