Abstract
Breast milk (BM) is essential for infants due to its unique composition and biological properties. The components of BM significantly affect growth and child development and play an important role in regulation of postnatal development and maturation of tissues and organ systems.
The importance of breastfeeding is well known. It provides many benefits for both infants and mothers.
Breastfeeding has probably a positive impact on health later in adulthood. The following review offers insights into the most significant, evidence-based benefits of breastfeeding on prevention of allergies, infectious and autoimmune diseases, as well as its influence on growth and cognitive function in children and association with occurrence of lifestyle diseases later in adulthood.