Final answer:
Breastfed infants are resistant to diseases primarily due to the maternal antibodies provided through breast milk, a process called naturally acquired passive immunity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Breastfed infants typically are resistant to disease because of maternal antibodies in breast milk. This form of protection is known as naturally acquired passive immunity, which involves the transmission of ready-made antibodies, as opposed to the body having to develop its own active immune response. Antibodies such as IgG can be passed during fetal development through the placenta, and after birth, IgA and other immunoglobulins can be transferred through breast milk. This is crucial for protecting the infant against infections during the early stages of life when their own immune system is not fully developed.
Breastfed infants typically are resistant to disease because of maternal antibodies in breast milk. Antibodies produced in the mother's body are passed to the infant via passive immunity through breast milk. This gives young infants protection from common pathogens in their environment while their own immune system matures.