Critical research: Breastmilk and COVID-19

The University of California San Diego (UC San Diego), in collaboration with others and supported by a CHF 100,000 donation from FLRF, is activating an immediate investigation into the safety and protective functions of breastmilk.

Researchers are addressing two critical questions:

• Is COVID-19 transmitted via breastmilk?
• Can breastmilk protect infants from COVID-19?

Breastmilk is known to protect infants from diseases such as diarrhea and pulmonary infections. Yet more information is urgently needed with respect to COVID-19.

The FLRF donation is a first step, helping scientists mobilize immediately to generate critical data that could round out current guidance from global health organizations. Having up-to-the-minute, reliable information is crucial for health professionals to both protect the practice of breastfeeding and ensure the health of breastfeeding mothers and their children during this pandemic.

The Larsson-Rosenquist Foundation Mother-Milk-Infant Center of Research Excellence (LRF MOMI CORE) at the UC San Diego School of Medicine will also collaborate with peers in HIV research to learn from past experiences with a different virus and gain expedited, much needed insights. The investigation could also lead to a new platform for launching fast, coordinated investigations to enable a quicker response in future health crises.

FLRF hopes its example will also inspire others to contribute much needed funds without delay.