A natural compound found in human breast milk caused the death of bladder cancer cells, in human patients and then 40 more different cancer cell lines in vitro, in research from Lund University, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Immunology Professor Catharina Svanborg discovered the substance by accident while researching possible antibiotics in breast milk. When the researchers injected the compound into patients with bladder cancer, dead tumour cells were found in the urine (1).
Human breast milk contains a host of beneficial compounds, from important bacteria to immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, carbohydrates, fats, and whey protein that sustain growth and build the immune system. Colostrum is the first milk produced by Mum and is extremely beneficial to baby.
The active compound found in the Swedish research is known as HAMLET (Human Alpha-lactalbumin Made LEthal to Tumour cells), was originally discovered in breast milk a few years ago. While the compound is made up of a protein and a fatty acid that are both found naturally in breast milk, it seems the active compound is spontaneously formed in the acidic environment of the babies’ stomachs.
While the Bladder cancer study was performed on real patients, in vitro, the researchers went on to show that studies HAMLET can kill 40 different types of cancer cells, and the researchers are currently studying its effect in vivo, on skin cancer, tumours in the mucous membranes and brain tumours. HAMLET has no negative effects on healthy cells.
This is not the first time that mothers’ breast milk has been shown to have anti-cancer or survival increasing properties; for example there is the well-covered story of how a daughter with a baby extended her Dad's life considerably when he had prostate cancer.
Go to: Breast milk extends life of prostate patient
Colostrum and ferritin have strong and multiple properties.
Go to: The amazing power of Colostrum and Lactoferrin
References
1. Mossberg et al. HAMLET Interacts with Lipid Membranes and Perturbs Their Structure and Integrity. PLoS ONE, 2010; 5 (2): e9384 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009384