Paediatrics – MCQ 72 – Protective effects of breast milk

The protective effects of breast milk are known to be associated with:
A. IgM antibodies
B. Lysozyme
C. Mast cells
D. IgA antibodies

Correct answer : D. IgA antibodies

Although breast milk contains both breast milk and antibodies; antibodies play the major role in providing immunity. Breast fed babies have lower incidence of diarrhoea, otitis media, pneumonia, bacteremia and meningitis.