Breast milk is the perfect food for a newborn baby

Breast milk is:

• natural, sterile, warm;
• easily digestible and fully utilized by the child's body;
• protects the baby from various infections, allergic reactions and diseases, promotes the formation of its own immune system;
• ensures the growth and development of the baby due to the presence of a complex of biologically active substances in breast milk (hormones, enzymes, growth and immune factors, etc.);
• provides emotional contact with the baby, which forms the correct psychological behavior of the child in the family and group, his socialization, promotes intellectual and cognitive development;
• helps prevent unwanted pregnancy after childbirth;
• promotes the normal course of the postpartum period, prevents the occurrence of mastopathy, tumors of the mammary gland, uterus and ovaries; -
• significantly cheaper than artificial mixtures.

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Structure of the mammary glands

The mammary gland consists of glandular, supporting and fatty tissues. The size of the breast does not affect the process and quality of breastfeeding. The nipple, located in the middle of the areola, is a visual landmark for the child. At the top of the nipple, 15-20 milk ducts open.

Both the areola and the nipple itself contain a large number of nerve receptors. The sensitivity of the areola-nipple complex increases during pregnancy and reaches its maximum in the first days after birth. Irritation of these receptors during sucking by the baby causes straightening and stretching of the nipple and triggers reflex mechanisms for the pituitary gland to produce prolactin and oxytocin, i.e. hormones that regulate lactation.

The areola also contains apocrine glands (Montgomery), which secrete an antibacterial and emollient lubricant with a specific odor reminiscent of the smell of amniotic fluid and is an olfactory landmark for the baby.

The parenchyma of the mammary gland has a structure of alveolar-lobular complexes, which are immersed in connective tissue stroma and surrounded by a dense network of myoepithelial elements, blood and lymphatic vessels, and nerve receptors.

The morphofunctional unit of the gland is the alveoli. They have the form of bubbles or sacs. Their size varies depending on the hormonal phase. The walls of the alveoli are lined with one layer of glandular cells of lactocytes, in which the synthesis of breast milk elements occurs.

Lactocytes with their apical poles are directed into the alveolar cavity. Each alveolus is surrounded by a network of myoepithelial cells (it seems that the alveolus is immersed in a basket woven from myoepithelial cells), which have the ability to contract, regulating the secretion release. Blood capillaries and nerve endings are closely adjacent to the lactocytes.

The alveoli narrow and pass into a thin duct. There are 120-200 alveoli combined into lobules with a common duct of a larger caliber. The lobules form lobes (there are 15-20 of them) with wide excretory ducts, which, before reaching the nipple, form small milk sinuses in the areola area.

They are cavities for the temporary storage of breast milk and, together with large milk ducts, form the only system for removing it from the gland.

The source of vascularization of the mammary gland are the internal and external thoracic arteries, the thoracic branch of the thoracoacromial artery and the branches of the intercostal arteries,

The mammary gland is innervated by the intercostal branches of the subclavian branch of the cervical plexus and the thoracic branches of the brachial plexus.

Phases of the secretory cycle of breast milk

In the first phase, the secretory cell absorbs and sorbs components - precursors of breast milk from the blood and tissue fluid. In the second phase, there is intracellular synthesis of complex molecules. In the third phase, granules or drops of secretion are formed, which are then, in the fourth phase, transported to the apical part of the cell. In the fifth phase, the secretion is removed into the alveolar cavity. Then the cycle is repeated. The final formation of the composition of breast milk occurs in the tubular system of the mammary gland.

The following types of extrusion (removal) of mammary gland secretion are distinguished: merocrine - characterized by the release of secretion, mainly protein granules, through an intact membrane or openings in it; lemocrine - accompanied by the release of secretion with part of the plasma membrane (mainly concerns the release of fat droplets); apocrine extrusion - the secretion is separated from the cell together with its apical part; in the holocrine type, the secretion is released into the alveolus together with the cell that has accumulated it.

Different types of secretion extrusion are necessarily reflected in the qualitative composition of breast milk. Thus, in the intervals between feedings and at the beginning of feeding, merocrine and lemocrine types of extrusion take place. Such breast milk contains little protein and especially little fat ("foremilk"). When the neuroendocrine reflex of milk secretion is activated during active sucking by the child, apocrine or holocrine secretion is ensured, which leads to the formation of "back milk" with high fat content and energy value.

Protein formation follows the classical pathway of synthesis from free amino acids in the blood. Some of the protein in unchanged form enters breast milk from the blood serum, and immune proteins are synthesized not in the main secretory tissue of the mammary gland, but in accumulations of lymphocytes and plasma cells.

The formation of milk fat is the result of the transformation of saturated fatty acids into unsaturated ones.

Carbohydrates in human breast milk are mainly represented by lactose. This is a specific disaccharide of milk and is not synthesized in other tissues of the body. 

The main substance for the synthesis of lactose is blood glucose. Lactose plays a special role in the formation of breast milk due to the establishment of its osmotic activity.

Endocrine regulation of breast milk secretion

Lactation is the secretion of breast milk by the mammary gland. The full lactation cycle includes: mammogenesis (development of the gland), lactogenesis (the emergence of milk secretion after childbirth) and lactopoiesis (development and support of milk production and secretion).

The lactation process consists of two interconnected, but at the same time quite autonomous phases: the production of breast milk and its secretion.

Postpartum lactation is a hormonally-driven process that occurs reflexively as a result of the mutual action of neuroendocrine and behavioral mechanisms.

For lactogenesis, it is not necessary for the pregnancy to be full-term. Even if it is terminated prematurely, lactation can begin and develop quite intensively.

Having begun its development in the antenatal period, the mammary gland reaches morphological maturity during pregnancy. The development of the active form of the lobuloalveolar apparatus and the ability to synthesize components of breast milk are regulated, first of all, by sex hormones (estrogens, progesterone), as well as chorionic somatomammotropin and prolactin (PRL), which is synthesized during pregnancy not only by the pituitary gland, but also by the trophoblast, decidual and amniotic membranes. Thus, prolactation preparation of the mammary gland depends on the functional activity of the fetoplacental complex and the hypothalamic-pituitary system of the pregnant woman.

High levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy suppress the lactogenic effect of PRL and reduce the sensitivity of the neurogenic endings of the nipple and areola. Chorionic somatomammotroline (HSM)L, which competitively binds to PRL receptors, also suppresses the secretion of breast milk during pregnancy. A sharp decrease in the concentration of these hormones in the blood after childbirth causes the onset of lactogenesis.

In the process of lactation, two maternal reflexes are involved - the milk production reflex and the breast milk release reflex, and, accordingly, the main hormones responsible for establishing and maintaining lactation are PRL and oxytocin.

PRL is a key lactogenic hormone that stimulates the primary production of breast milk in the alveoli. It activates the synthesis of milk proteins, lactose, fats, i.e. it affects the qualitative composition of milk. The functions of PRL include the retention of salt and water by the kidneys, as well as the suppression of ovulation when postpartum amenorrhea occurs.

The main function of PRL is to provide basic, long-term mechanisms of lactopoiesis.

The production of PRL by the pituitary gland and the process of milk formation are determined primarily by neuroreflex mechanisms - irritation of highly sensitive receptors in the nipple and areola area by the active sucking of the child.

The concentration of PRL fluctuates throughout the day, but the highest level is determined at night, which indicates the advantages of night feeding of the child for maintaining the production of breast milk. The maximum increase in the level of GTRL (by 50-40%) in response to sucking occurs after 30 minutes, regardless of its initial concentration and the period of lactation.

The prolactin reflex occurs during sucking, has its own critical period of formation and is adequately formed during early attachment of the baby to the breast. It is in the first hour after birth that the intensity of the sucking reflex in the baby is most pronounced and irritation of the nipple of the mammary gland is accompanied by emissions of GTRL and the start of the lactation process.

Extremely important factors for the formation and consolidation of the lactation neurohormonal reflex are the activity and strength of sucking, sufficient frequency of attachments, which is determined by the individual needs of the child and the degree of its saturation. Active, sufficiently frequent sucking determines the success of natural feeding in general.

In the regulation of HTRL, an important role is played by the biogenic amines of the hypothalamus - dopamine and serotonin. In particular, dopamine is assigned the role of an inhibitor of PRL formation directly in the pituitary gland lactotrophs, while serotonin stimulates the synthesis and secretion of PRL. Thus, the hypothalamus is considered to be the direct humoral regulator of PRL emissions.

Synergists of PRL in ensuring lactopoiesis - somatotropic, corticosteroid, thyroid-stimulating hormones, as well as insulin, thyroxine, parathyroid hormone, mainly affect the trophism of the mammary gland, that is, they carry out not central, but peripheral regulation.

In addition to the neuroendocrine mechanism of lactation regulation, there is the so-called autocrine control (or regulatory-inhibitory reaction), which is provided by suppressive peptides of the mammary gland itself. With insufficient removal of breast milk from the gland, suppressive peptides suppress alveolar milk synthesis, and vice versa, frequent and active sucking ensures regular removal of suppressive peptides from the mammary gland with subsequent activation of breast milk production.

Therefore, there is a direct connection between the volume of milk production and the baby's requests for breast milk, which are manifested during sucking. The absence of such a request quickly leads to the reverse development of the unused mammary gland.

The second extremely important neurohormonal mechanism of lactopoiesis is the milk ejection reflex, or oxytocin reflex. The trigger is irritation of the nipple and areola during active sucking. The release of breast milk occurs in two phases. The first lasts 40-60 sec and is associated with the transmission of impulses from the nerve endings of the areola and nipple to the central nervous system and back to the mammary gland. In this case, the nipple sphincter relaxes and the smooth muscles of the large ducts contract, which facilitates the release of milk from them. In the second phase (humoral), which occurs after 1-4 minutes, the hormone oxytocin plays an important role. It causes contraction of myoepithelial cells and the release of milk from the alveoli and small ducts. It should be noted that this portion of milk ("hind, or late breast milk") is richer in fats compared to the first portion ("fore, or early breast milk"), which is dominated by proteins.

Oxytonin is produced much faster than PRL and stimulates the release of breast milk from the alveoli during feeding. An important feature of breastfeeding is the support of active contraction of the uterus after childbirth, which, in turn, prevents the development of postpartum complications (bleeding, subinvolution of the uterus, endometritis).

There are several symptoms of an active oxytocin reflex that a woman experiences before feeding:

• a tingling or full feeling in the mammary glands before or during feeding the baby;
• the release of breast milk from the glands when the mother thinks about the baby or hears his crying;
• the release of milk from one breast while the baby is sucking on the other;
• a thin stream of breast milk leaking from the mammary gland if the baby is pulled away from the breast during feeding;
• slow, deep sucking and swallowing of milk by the baby;
• sensation of pain from uterine contractions during feeding during the 1st week after birth.

Both oxytocin and PRL influence the mother's mood and physical condition, and the latter hormone is considered decisive in shaping the mother's behavior in different situations.

By the end of the first week after birth, the reflex of breast milk ejection is finally consolidated. Around this time, the mammary gland acquires the ability to accumulate a large amount of breast milk with a less significant increase in pressure in it. Subsequently, the pressure remains constant, regardless of the increase in milk secretion. Thus, after birth, mechanisms begin to operate that prevent an increase in pressure in the mammary gland. The amount of breast milk gradually increases, reaching its maximum volume by the 8-9th week (approximately 1000-1500 ml).

It should also be noted that during feeding, there are no significant changes in the amount of breast milk in the second mammary gland due to a reflex decrease in the tone of its contractile elements in response to an increase in pressure in the local system of the gland. This reflex has an important adaptive value, in particular when feeding with one mammary gland (for example, in pathological conditions of the other mammary gland).

Along with central neurohormonal influences and trophic processes in the mammary gland, the implementation of the lactation function also depends on its blood supply. It is known that normally the volume of blood flow in the mammary gland during lactation is several times greater than the volume of breast milk produced, therefore the lactation process is very sensitive to vasoconstrictor and vasodilator effects.

Thus, lactation consists of two phases: production and excretion of milk. Human breast milk is a unique combination of nutrients, a complex biological system that performs plastic, energetic, immunomodulatory functions. Not a single, even the most adapted milk formula, can completely replace breast milk, the components of which meet all the needs of the child's body.

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Colostrum

At the end of pregnancy and in the first days after birth, colostrum is secreted. Colostrum is a fairly important intermediate form of nutrition, on the one hand, between the periods of hemotrophic and amniotrophic nutrition, on the other - the beginning of lactotrophic.

Colostrum is a sticky yellowish fluid that fills the alveoli during the third trimester of pregnancy and is produced for several days after birth. The amount of colostrum varies widely - from 10 to 100 ml, with an average of about 50 ml per feeding.

Colostrum is a glandular product that:

• provides immunological protection for the child’s body, as it has a high level of secretory immunoglobulin A;
• envelops the walls of the child's stomach and intestines;
• promotes faster passage of meconium;
• reduces the intensity and duration of hyperbilirubinemia in newborns;
• has high energy and nutritional properties;
• contains vitamins in high concentrations;
• fully meets the needs of the newborn's body during the 1-2 days of life.

Colostrum contains 4-5 times more proteins than mature breast milk, 2-10 times more vitamin A and beta-carotene, 2-3 times more ascorbic acid. Colostrum is especially rich in secretory immunoglobulin A, which provides both primary immunobiological protection of the child's body and physiological development of immunity. Some macrophages have phagocytic activity, which contributes to the development of local immunity.

In terms of composition, colostrum is close to the tissues of a newborn: proteins are identical to blood serum proteins, fats are rich in oleic acid, contain many phospholipids, sugar is represented by lactose, and the content of mineral salts is high.

Colostrum has a high caloric value (kcal/100 ml):

• 1st day - 150;
• 2nd day - 120;
• 3rd day - 80;
• 4th day - 75;
• 5th day - 70.

Thus, during the first 1-2 days of life, the child is fully provided with the necessary calories, proteins, carbohydrates, and immunological protection with exclusive breastfeeding, when he receives colostrum in the case of frequent breastfeeding in conditions of the joint stay of the mother and baby and in the presence of qualified support from medical personnel.

Colostrum fully meets the needs of the infant. The underdeveloped kidneys of a newborn baby cannot process large volumes of fluid without metabolic stress. The production of lactose and other intestinal enzymes is just beginning. Inhibitors and quinone are needed to protect against oxidative damage and hemorrhagic diseases. Immunoglobulins, which coat the immature surface of the baby's intestine, thus protect it from bacteria, viruses, parasites and other pathogens. Growth factors stimulate the baby's own systems, so colostrum acts as a modulator of the baby's development. The effect of colostrum is weakened by the addition of water to the baby's gastrointestinal tract. Colostrum passes into mature breast milk on the 3rd-14th day after birth.

Even if a woman has breastfed another child throughout her pregnancy, her breast milk will go through the colostrum stage just before and immediately after the new birth.

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Composition of breast milk

Breast milk contains hundreds of well-known components. It differs in composition not only in different mothers, but even in one woman in different mammary glands, from feeding to feeding, not to mention the entire lactation period. Human milk meets the individual needs of the child.

Breast milk, according to the results of qualitative and quantitative studies by WHO, contains 1.15 g of protein per 100 ml, with the exception of the first month, when this figure is 1.3 g per 100 ml.

Fats: With some exceptions, the fat content of mature milk is ideal for the baby and meets physiological needs. The fat content increases from approximately 2.0 g per 100 ml in colostrum to an average of 4-4.5 g per 100 ml in mature milk by the 15th day after birth.

Lactose is the main carbohydrate in human milk, although galactose, fructose, and other oligosaccharides are also present in small amounts. Lactose is one of the stable components of breast milk. Lactose provides about 40 kcal of energy needs, and also performs other functions.

Vitamins: The vitamin content of breast milk almost always meets the baby's needs, although it may vary depending on the woman's diet.

Minerals, the content of most minerals in breast milk (phosphorus, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium, fluoride compounds) depends on the woman's diet.

Micronutrients: A breastfed baby has a lower risk of micronutrient deficiencies or excesses. Copper, cobalt, and selenium are present in higher amounts in human breast milk than in cow's milk. Copper deficiency, which leads to hypochromic microcytic anemia and neurological abnormalities, occurs only in formula-fed babies.

Breast milk contains some hormones (oxytocin, prolactin, adrenal and ovarian steroids, prostaglandins), as well as gonadotropin-releasing hormone, growth hormone-releasing factor, insulin, somatotropin, relaxin, calcitonin and neurotensin - in concentrations that exceed those in the mother's blood, (thyrotropin-releasing hormone), TSN (thyrotropin-stimulating hormone), thyroxine, triiodothyronine, erythropoietin - in concentrations that are lower than in the mother's blood. Some enzymes in human breast milk have a multifunctional nature. Some reflect the physiological changes that occur in the mammary glands, others are necessary for the development of the newborn (proteolytic enzymes, peroxidase, lysozyme, xanthine oxidase), others enhance the action of the baby's own digestive enzymes (a-amylase and salt-stimulating lipase).

Anti-infective properties in colostrum and breast milk are possessed by both soluble and cellular components. Soluble components include immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM) along with lysozymes and other enzymes, lactoferrin, bifidum factor and other immune-regulating substances. Cellular components include macrophages, lymphocytes, neutrophilic granulocytes and epithelial cells. In mature milk, unlike colostrum, their concentration decreases. However, since the decrease in their concentration is compensated by an increase in the volume of breast milk, the child receives them in a more or less constant amount throughout the entire lactation period.

Proper nutrition and lactation

In order for lactation to be complete, you must eat right. The period of breastfeeding does not require special diets. However, it is necessary to remember that your body uses its internal resources to produce breast milk. Therefore, nutrition should be sufficiently caloric and balanced in the composition of all nutrients: proteins, essential amino acids, fats, essential fatty acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, mineral salts and microelements.

Daily food intake during breastfeeding:

• meat and meat products - 120 g:
• fish - 100 g;
• low-fat cheese - 100 g;
• eggs - 1 pc.;
• milk - 300-400 g;
• kefir and other fermented milk products - 200 g;
• sour cream - 30 g;
• butter - 15 g;
• vegetable oil - 30 g;
• sugar, honey, jam - 60 g:
• rye bread - 100 g;
• wheat bread - 120 g;
• flour products (pastries) - 120 g;
• cereals and pasta - 60 g;
• potatoes - 200 g.
• vegetables (cabbage, beets, carrots, pumpkin, zucchini, etc.) - 500 g;
• fruits, berries - 300 g;
• fruit and berry juice - 200 g;
• nuts - 3-4 pcs.

It is also necessary to pay attention to the drinking regime: it should be sufficiently voluminous, but not excessive. As a rule, a woman who is breastfeeding feels comfortable with a daily consumption of about 2 liters of liquid (taking into account all types of drinks - tea, compote, fruit juices, milk, vegetable broths, infusions, etc.).

It is unacceptable to drink alcoholic beverages, coffee or strong tea during breastfeeding. It is necessary to avoid very fatty, spicy and smoked foods.

At any time of the year, the daily diet should contain a lot of vegetables, fruits, greens, berries (fresh or frozen), juices or fortified drinks of industrial production for nursing women. The criteria for introducing complementary foods to a child are:

• age over 5-6 months;
• the extinction of the "pushing out" reflex and the appearance of a coordinated reflex of chewing food with the tongue and swallowing:
• the appearance of chewing movements when food of a thick consistency enters the child’s mouth or when swallowing it from a spoon;
• the beginning of teething;
• the appearance of dissatisfaction in the child with exclusive breastfeeding with a normal volume of breast milk in the mother (anxiety in the child, shortening of intervals between feedings, crying in hunger, waking up at night, decreased weight gain over the past week), as well as the appearance of interest in what others are eating;
• sufficient maturity of the digestive tract, which makes it possible to digest small amounts of complementary foods without dyspeptic disorders or allergic reactions.

It is necessary to familiarize the woman with the introduction of complementary foods:

• complementary foods are given before breastfeeding;
• any new products for the child are given starting with a small amount (juices - with drops, purees and porridge - with one teaspoon) and gradually, over 5-7 days, increased to a full portion;
• new complementary foods can be introduced only when the baby has become accustomed to the previous one, eats a full portion and feels well (after 2 weeks);
• every time after the baby has received a portion of complementary food, you should give him the breast. This will help maintain lactation, and the child will feel contented and calm;
• Feed complementary foods only with a spoon, not through a pacifier, placing a small amount of food in the middle of the tongue, then the child will swallow it easily. Feeding thick food through a pacifier can lead to gum trauma, the formation of an incorrect bite, and the child's refusal to breastfeed;
• During feeding, the child should be in an upright position, in a comfortable position in the mother’s arms or lap, or in a special children’s chair;
• food should always be freshly prepared, have a delicate homogeneous consistency (first creamy, then sour cream-like), cooled to body temperature (36-37 °C);
• You can't force-feed a child. The mother should carefully monitor his behavior during feeding. If the baby pushes food out of his mouth, turns away, you need to calm him down, breastfeed, and offer complementary foods again next time;
• During feeding, the child's hands should be free; the child should be given a spoon in his right hand so that the baby gets used to "his" spoon.

Approximate scheme for introducing complementary foods for children in the first year of life who are breastfed

Complementary foods and dishes	Duration of introduction, months.	Volume depending on the child's age
		0-4 months	5 months	6 months	7 months	8 months	9 months	10-12 months.
Juice (fruit, berry, vegetable), ml	4.0-5.0	-	5-20	30-50	50-70	50-70	80	100
Fruit puree, ml	5.0-5.5	-	5-30	40-50	50-70	50-70	80	90-100
Vegetable puree, g	5.5-6.0	-	5-30	50-150	150	170	180	200
Milk cereal or milk grain porridge, g	7.0 8.0			5-50	50-100	150	180	200
Fermented milk products, ml	8.0-9.0	-	-	-	-	5-50	50-150	150-200
Cheese, g	6.5	-	-	5-25	10-30	30	30	50
Egg yolk	7.0-7.5	-	-	-	1/8-1/5	1/4	1/4	1/2
Meat puree, g	6.5-7.0	-	-	5-30	30	50	50	50-60
Fish puree, g	9.0-10.0	-	-	-	--	--	30-50	50-60
Vegetable oil, g	5.5-6.0	-	1-3	3	3	5	5	5
Butter, g	6.0-7.0	-	-	1-4	1-4	4	5	5-6
Rusks, cookies, g	7.5-8.0	-	-	-	3	5	5	10-15
Wheat bread, g	8.0-9.0	-	-	-	-	5	5	10

The first complementary food, which gradually completely replaces one breastfeeding, is usually introduced at the end of the 5th-6th month. Vegetable puree (thoroughly ground) with the addition of 3 g of oil per serving is recommended as the first complementary food. It is introduced starting with 5 g, and in 1 week it is brought up to the required volume of 150 g per feeding, gradually replacing one breastfeeding.

The second complementary feeding, which replaces another breastfeeding, is introduced into the child's diet 1-1.5 months after the first complementary feeding. The second complementary feeding is milk cereal or, if indicated, milk-free porridge. Preference is given to rice or buckwheat cereals, and later to corn cereals. Milk and cereal porridges (oatmeal, semolina, etc.), which contain fiber, are recommended at 7-8 months.

When the child receives a full portion of the first and second complementary foods, you can add meat puree to the vegetable puree, and the mashed yolk of a hard-boiled chicken egg to the porridge.

From 6.5-7 months, it is recommended to introduce cottage cheese into the diet in the form of milk and cheese paste or cheese and fruit puree.

From 9-10 months, you can include low-fat fish dishes in the diet (once a week), taking into account individual tolerance.

At 10-11 months, the child begins to chew food, he has several teeth, so at this age you can cook meatballs from veal, chicken or rabbit, and at 11-12 months - steamed cutlets from lean meats. According to modern international recommendations, it is not advisable to introduce meat broth into the diet of a child in the first year of life.

In our country, fermented milk products (kefir, acidophilus milk, bifivit, simbivit, etc.) are traditionally considered the third complementary food that replaces another breastfeeding. They are recommended to be introduced to a child at the age of 8-9 months.

Meanwhile, the advisability of introducing third complementary foods and the products used for it is currently the subject of discussion.

If the mother has sufficient lactation, it is hardly justified to replace the third breastfeeding with complementary foods, since in this case there are only two breastfeedings per day, which leads to a rapid fading of lactation.

In addition, it is believed that fermented milk mixtures are medicinal products that have indications and contraindications for their use. They are not adapted, contain a large amount of protein, have high osmolarity and, according to many clinicians, have a negative effect on the "immature" kidneys of a child in the first year of life. They can provoke diapedetic intestinal bleeding, and due to high acidity, change the acid-base balance of the child's body.

Therefore, the question of introducing a third complementary food into the diet should be decided individually in each case. In the absence of indications for prescribing a fermented milk product, preference should be given to adapted milk formulas for children in the second half of life, enriched with probiotics.