Inside Science reported this month that that same protein that was found in breast milk that was shown to kill off tumor cells has the potential to be used to fight MRSA. The protein complex called HAMLET (Human Alpha-lactalbumin Made LEthal to Tumor cells) was shown to be able to reverse antibiotic resistance in this aggressive type of staph.
In March of last year, we discussed how we are entering a post antibiotic era. This new finding, reported by Inside Science, could buy us a little more time because when coupled with said incredible component found in human breast milk, bacteria was substantially more sensitive to the antibiotics they were once resistant to.
The report did say that HAMLET alone doesn’t appear to be able to kill these strains of bacteria. Therein lies the rub… in the Land of Crunchy Motherhood, many of us wonder if HAMLET were left within breast milk, if the breast milk alone might have had a better fighting chance.
Many of us have used breast milk instead of antibiotic creams, gels or sprays. I can recall my child getting an eye infection and just squirting it right in there. I was amazed at how quickly it wiped out the bacterial infection. Anecdotal evidence, I know. Though, I’m sure many of you have your own anecdotal evidence to share…
Mamas who have breastfed: What kind of infections have you used breast milk on?
More on HAMLET:
HAMLET kills kills Streptococcus pneumoniae & sensitizes Acinetobacter baumanii and Moraxella catarrhalis.
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We’ve used breastmilk for pinkeye (though, no way to know if it was viral or bacterial).
Do you know if the components that would kill bacteria or make it more susceptible to antibiotics are killed when frozen? I know freezing does devalue the milk, it doesn’t do all the things fresh does but still is better than formula – just not sure if it would make a difference in this regard.