The identification and clinical implications of human breast milk mitogen.

There are constituents of human breast milk that make it superior to cow's milk for the nutrition, health and development of human infants. We have discovered a new activity in breast milk. We have found in human breast milk a nitrogen that stimulates DNA synthesis and induces division in cells grown in culture. This mitogenic activity is concentration dependent, and also depends on time since lactation. No similar mitogenic activity is found in commercially available formulas or cows milk 1 wk after birthing. The human milk mitogen might be involved in the growth and development of cells in the neonate. It may be important in preventing necrotizing entercolitis and peptic ulceration of the newborn. It might also be used in the treatment of infants following massive small bowel resection.