Components of breastmilk contributing to passing on of obesity
New research has shown that complex carbohydrates found in breastmilk are associated with infant obesity. Michael Goran, the corresponding author from the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California identified variations of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) as either protective or as risk factors for obesity. Previous studies conducted in this area have produced varying results, with most showing that breastfeeding decreases the risk of developing obesity; this study in particular looked at 71 past reports, finding breastfeeding to reduce excess weight by about 10%. However it is largely dependent on the composition of the mother’s breast milk and the specific mix of HMOs that makes the difference.
HMOs themselves can’t be digested and so accumulate in the colon and shape the gut microbiome of the baby. The study examined 25 mother and child pairs and used measures at 1 and 6 months. Although small, the study results are promising as the aim was to identify which HMOs are most important in obesity protection. Goran stated that these HMOs could then be used as supplements in those that are breastfeeding or alongside formulae. It must be stressed that breastfeeding is not being vilified in this study, only that it is helping us to understand better how a child might develop obesity, as breastfeeding has many benefits too.
