Definition:
In simple terms, these are antibodies -- they protect against viruses and bacteria by passive immunity from a mother to her baby. However, different immunoglobulins in human milk serve distinct purposes. Secretory IgA is a maternal specific antibody to environmental antigens. Other essential immunoglobulins in breast milk are: IgA, IgD, IgM, IgE, and IgG. Of all of the antibodies mentioned, IgA and IgE are most important in the biological distinction of breast milk for the baby.
