Breastmilk is known to be crucial for baby nutrition. However, we don’t need to understand how a breastfeeding person’s diet affects this entirely. A new Michigan Medicine study from University of Michigan using sheep found that the types and amounts of fats in a breastfeeding person’s blood may relate to the nutrients in their breastmilk and their baby’s blood.
The study found that while maternal blood, milk, and lamb blood lipids differ, they form an interconnected system. Milk transfers essential fats from mother to baby, which is crucial for growth.
Senior author Vasantha Padmanabhan highlighted that the study shows how maternal diet affects breastmilk quality and the baby’s health. The research was published in Scientific Reports.
The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Breast milk contains proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, with lipids being the primary energy source for babies. They are crucial for brain and intestinal development and may protect against diseases later in life.
Vasantha Padmanabhan, Ph.D., notes that a mother’s diet can impact breastmilk quality and the baby’s health. Soundara Viveka Thangaraj, Ph.D., emphasizes that understanding breastmilk lipids is vital for supporting infant growth and development.
“Our study shows that breastfeeding is a complex process that adjusts to an infant’s needs. It highlights the importance of maternal nutrition during breastfeeding, as it affects breast milk quality,” said Thangaraj.
The research paves the way for better nutrition strategies and feeding practices. Understanding how critical fats are transferred to the baby is crucial for improving maternal and child health.
In conclusion, a breastfeeding person’s diet may affect their baby’s nutrition. An improved understanding of this connection could lead to better dietary guidelines for breastfeeding parents, enhancing their babies’ health and development.
Journal reference:
- Thangaraj, S.V., Ghnenis, A., Pallas, B. et al. Comparative lipidome study of maternal plasma, milk, and lamb plasma in sheep. Scientific Reports. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58116-5.
