14 Oct 2019 --- Researchers have identified a compound in human breast milk that could be easily added to formula or cows’ milk to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Glycerol monolaurate (GML) fights infections by harmful bacteria while allowing beneficial bacteria to thrive. The compound is inexpensive to manufacture but currently is not present in infant formula at all. Future research is now planned to ascertain whether GML would be a beneficial additive to cows’ milk and infant formula. The researchers have also applied for a patent for the use of GML in this way.
