The composition of breast milk is ideal for good growth and development of the baby during the first 6 months of age, without the need to supplement the baby's food with any other food or water.
In addition to feeding the baby and being rich in all the nutrients the baby needs to grow strong and healthy, breast milk also has defense cells in the body, called antibodies, that pass from the mother to the baby, which increases the baby's defenses preventing it from getting sick easily. Learn more about breast milk.
What breast milk is made of
The composition of breast milk varies according to the baby's needs, with different concentrations of its constituents according to the newborn's development phase. Some of the main components of breast milk are:
- White blood cells and antibodies, which act on the baby's immune system, protecting against possible infections, and helping in the organ development process; Proteins, which are responsible for activating the immune system and protecting developing neurons; Carbohydrates, which help in the process of formation of the intestinal microbiota; Enzymes, which are important for several metabolic processes essential for the functioning of the body; Vitamins and minerals, which are essential for healthy baby growth.
According to the amount of milk produced, composition and days after the baby is born, breast milk can be classified into:
- Colostrum: It is the first milk produced after the baby is born and is normally produced in lesser quantity. It is thicker and yellowish and consists mainly of proteins and antibodies, since its main objective is to provide protection against infections to the baby soon after birth; Transitional milk: Begins to be produced in greater volumes between the 7th and 21st day after birth and has a greater amount of carbohydrates and fats, favoring the healthy growth of the baby; Mature milk: It is produced from the 21st day after the baby is born and has a more stable composition, with ideal concentrations of proteins, vitamins, minerals, fats and carbohydrates.
In addition to these variations in composition, breast milk also undergoes changes during breastfeeding, with a more fluid component being released for hydration and thicker at the end for feeding.
Know the benefits of breastfeeding.
Nutritional composition of breast milk
| Components | Quantity in 100 ml of breast milk |
| Energy | 6.7 calories |
| Proteins | 1.17 g |
| Fats | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7.4 g |
| Vitamin A | 48.5 mcg |
| D vitamin | 0.065 mcg |
| Vitamin E | 0.49 mg |
| Vitamin K | 0.25 mcg |
| Vitamin B1 | 0.021 mg |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.035 mg |
| Vitamin B3 | 0.18 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 13 mcg |
| B12 vitamin | 0.042 mcg |
| Folic acid | 8.5 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 5 mg |
| Calcium | 26.6 mg |
| Phosphor | 12.4 mg |
| Magnesium | 3.4 mg |
| Iron | 0.035 mg |
| Selenium | 1.8 mcg |
| Zinc | 0.25 mg |
| Potassium | 52.5 mg |
