Danish scientist: Breast milk possibly even more potent

Research shows it contains even more components that may positively affect the development of newborns

Danish scientist Kristine Blans has found breast milk contains more types of genetic components that can positively affect the development of children than previously believed, reports Videnskab magazine.

Blans, who is a PhD student at the new department of molecular biology and genetics at Aarhus University, examined fresh samples of breast milk from five donor women as well as fresh, non-pasteurised cow’s milk.

She found breast milk contains more types of the so-called extracellular vesicles that may have positive effects on the cells of newborns.

Developed new method
“Kristine is one of the first in Denmark to have researched vesicles in breast and cow’s milk,” Malene Møller Jørgensen, a senior researcher at the Clinical Immunology Department at Aalborg University Hospital, told Videnskab.

“And to my knowledge, she is the first to ever analyse the diversity of the molecular content and physical properties of the vesicles.”

Blans developed a new method to isolate the vesicles from other components of the milk.

Examining cow’s milk
She now plans to investigate whether cow’s milk and other dairy products also contain functional vesicles that could benefit our bodies.

“If it turns out the vesicles in breast milk have a positive effect on children, we will consider adding them to the breastfeeding supplements,” Jørgensen said.

It has long been known that breastfeeding strengthens the immune systems of babies and may even increase their IQ.




  • Tunø: An island running out of time

    Tunø: An island running out of time

    The island of Tunø harbors a community of 74 adults and one child. There are no cars and only one connection to the rest of the world. Now, climate change threatens it

  • Cross-border moves on the rise in the Øresund region

    Cross-border moves on the rise in the Øresund region

    The number of relocations across the Øresund Region is rising. As highlighted by 2023 numbers, Sweden benefits from a growing interest, especially among younger generations.

  • In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    He’s tickled our funny bone with countless wisecracks and clever wordplay, and in the process, made Denmark feel a little more personable to many expats. An international import himself, funny man Conrad Molden has successfully carved out a niche for himself on the Danish stand-up scene, but it’s taken a solid 13 years, much trial and error, and heaps of Danglish

  • Here Comes The Sun…

    Here Comes The Sun…

    I escaped from Denmark this winter to the south of France, where I was convinced that the sunshine would inspire me to write this year’s Crazy Christmas comedy show.

  • Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rhymes with integrating

    Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rhymes with integrating

    On Wednesday, April 30, from 17:00 to 20:00, Studenterhuset will host Volunteer Night 2025, a free event organized by the organization International House Copenhagen, which goal is to ease the relocation process for newcomers in Denmark

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.