Dr. Katie Chetta joined host Bobbi Conner on Health Focus, MUSC’s health segment on South Carolina Public Radio, to talk about the science of breast milk. The segment, “The science of breast milk,” aired December 22, 2025.
Breast milk contains the main nutrients a baby needs (fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, mostly lactose) plus immune components such as IgA and IgM antibodies. Formulas in the US are closely regulated and provide the same nutrients, but without those immune factors. The takeaway: breast milk is best when it is available, and formula is fine when it is needed.