The Surprising Science of Breast Milk Breast milk is considered the top choice for a baby's first food (the World Health Organization recommends that infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six month of life). It mainly consists of water, fat, protein, as well as vitamins, minerals, digestive enzymes and hormones. It is rich in maternal antibodies, and has anti-infective properties. Breast milk is also a dynamic, adaptable food – it is fattier in the afternoon and evening than in the morning, for example. It also varies during a feed. When the baby latches onto the breast, the first gush of milk, or foremilk, is thin and high in lactose, making it thirst-quenching and easy to drink. The so-called hindmilk that follows is creamier and fattier, making it more filling. This dynamic aspect is one reason why breast milk is hard to replicate, despite considerable advances in the quality of infant formula. Clean Label Project's take on the matter: Clean Label Project couldnt be more pleased to be included as a Subject Matter Expert in the piece. As the United States finally starts looking deeper into the food fed to the most vulnerable populations during the most vulnerable periods of development, we need to also reflect on water quality. With water being an important element in many foods, including infant formula, water safety is also an important factor in food safety. Read More: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20220622-whats-really-inside-babies-first-foods