All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Breast milk is the best tool to suppress HIV infection
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
Scientists say breast milk may be the best way to suppress HIV infection. An unknown component or combination of components in breast milk can kill HIV particles and virus-infected cells, and block HIV transmission in mice with human immune systems.
According to scientists, even if children born to HIV-positive mothers managed to avoid infection during birth, about 15% of them become infected with HIV in early childhood and experts believed that breast milk could be one of the suspects here.
To investigate, a group of specialists from the University of North Carolina in the US created laboratory mice whose immune system worked similarly to the human one, after which the cells of the spinal cord, liver and tissues were infected with HIV. However, if the rodents were fed breast milk from HIV-positive women, the virus did not work for an unknown reason.
Previous studies had already shown that breast milk had strong antiviral properties, but it was unclear whether it could fight HIV. “We have shown that milk has an innate ability to kill HIV,” says project leader Victor Garcia. The hunt is now on for a mystery ingredient in milk that can suppress the virus, he says.
If this component can be identified, it could also be used to prevent other forms of HIV transmission, particularly sexual transmission.
[