HAMLET Cells in Breastmilk

Have you ever wondered what all the cells are for in breastmilk? Have you ever pondered how they work together to nurture and take care of your baby? Breastmilk is magical. There are specific cells that look for and kill any tumor cells without harming the healthy cells. This cell, called HAMLET (Human Alpha-lactalbumin Made Lethal to Tumor cells), was discovered in the late 1990s by Swedish researchers studying human breast milk’s potential anticancer properties (Håkansson et. al, 1995).

The HAMLET cell specifically searches for tumor cells, damaged cells, or infected cells. This action may be training the infant's immune system by contributing to heh antimicrobial defense in the infant's gut microbiome. Remember last week's blog about the microbiome and how important it is to the overall health of our guts and immune system? It amazes me how the cells and components of breastmilk all work together to keep our babies healthy. Think of HAMLET as the precursor that helps shape the gut microbiome. It helps to maintain the integrity of the gut barrier.

In the first days when babies get colostrum, it helps protect the newborn from leaky gut. Along with HAMLET, colostrum contains antibodies and growth factors that help support the development of a healthy gut lining. A healthy gut lining helps reduce the risk of intestinal infections and promotes healthy digestion. Mature breastmilk continues to coat the gut and protect our babies.

And don't forget about the Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) found in high concentrations in breast milk. These cells are the third most abundant solid component in breastmilk after lactose and fat. They play a crucial role in promoting gut health, supporting the immune system, and aiding brain development in infants by feeding beneficial gut bacteria and preventing harmful pathogens from attaching to the gut. Exclusive breastmilk is recommended for 6 months. When we introduce other forms of food into our babies' guts, it changes the microbiome and the gut lining. I recognize that sometimes we need to supplement or introduce foods earlier for some babies. We must also remember that introducing other foods too early, when not necessary, can change the gut and is not recommended.

It is fascinating to me how powerful breastmilk is. HAMLET has been found to kill over 40 types of tumor cells in lab studies. Further studies have shown how HAMLET kills cancer cells in adults. There is promising research regarding the HAMLET cell in breastmilk and cancer treatment. There are so many benefits in breastmilk that we are still discovering.

The fact that breastfeeding changes to our baby's needs is miraculous. All the kisses and snuggles from mom and dad activate mom's immune system, and she then personalizes her milk for her baby. Amazing!

In summary, HAMLET is thought to protect the developing gut lining, train the immune system, and work alongside other components in breastmilk (lactoferrin, lysozyme, and secretory IgA) to keep our little ones stay healthy. Every feeding with breastmilk is a gift and teaches our baby's immune system how to respond appropriately. Every drop of breastmilk is filled with millions of cells and components that help our babies. If 2 ounces in an adult can assist in killing cancer, think what teaspoons can do for our babies.

If you are struggling with milk supply, latching, or pumping and would like help, Gulf Coast Lactation has private appointments and free groups available to assist you and create a plan that is personalized for you and your family.

References:

Håkansson, A., Zhivotovsky, B., Orrenius, S., Sabharwal, H., & Svanborg, C. (1995). Apoptosis induced by a human milk protein. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 92(17), 8064–8068. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.92.17.8064