THE INFLUENCE OF BREAST MILK NITRITES AND NITRATES ON NEONATAL WELL-BEING

Human breast milk is the optimal natural food for infants, providing essential nutrients that support growth and development. Among its components, nitrite and nitrate are important bioactive compounds whose concentrations vary with milk composition. These compounds play significant roles in neonatal physiology, influencing vascular function, microbial balance, and overall health. This article reviews the presence of nitrite and nitrate in breast milk and explores their potential effects on infant health, including implications for growth, development, and protection against conditions such as necrotizing enterocolitis. Understanding these compounds in breast milk can inform nutritional and clinical practices to support optimal neonatal outcomes.