Vaca Leche

True or False: Breastmilk changes after a baby hits their head to help heal the brain?

False…but the claim is built on pieces of real science.

There is evidence that:
• Cytokines can be detected in saliva and change with stress or injury
• Salivary biomarkers are being studied in concussion detection
• Breastmilk contains endocannabinoids and immune-modulating compounds
• Breastmilk composition can shift in response to infant illness

However, there is currently no evidence supporting a pathway where acute injury (like a head bump) triggers targeted changes in breastmilk such as increased palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) for brain healing.

Saliva reflects internal physiology—it does not function as a signaling system that directs real-time, injury-specific changes in milk composition.

Breastmilk is powerful without needing to extend beyond what science supports.

References
Hassiotou, F., & Geddes, D. T. (2015). Immune cell-mediated protection of the mammary gland and the infant during breastfeeding. Advances in Nutrition, 6(3), 267–275. https://doi.org/10.3945/an.114.007377

Lyons, A. et al. (2021). Salivary microRNA biomarkers of concussion. JAMA Pediatrics, 175(7), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2021.1097

Papacosta, E., & Nassis, G. P. (2011). Saliva as a tool for monitoring immune markers in sport. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 14(5), 424–434

Andreas, N. J., Kampmann, B., & Mehring Le-Doare, K. (2015). Human breast milk: composition and bioactivity. Early Human Development, 91(11), 629–635

Keimpema, E. et al. (2011). Endocannabinoids and the control of food intake. Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, 22(9), 404–413