The introduction of infant formula to babies» diets changes the infants» gut microbiome, thus affecting the response of the infant immune system to pathogens.47 - 51 A greater amount of natural -
killer cells, suggesting a more mature immune system, have been found in
breastfed infants than in formula - fed infants.52 In addition, pH level in the stomach of
breastfed children is better
for the promotion of the protein - lipid α - lactalbumin (termed HAMLET), which induces apoptosislike death in tumor cells.51, 53