Breastmilk hormones may help prevent obesity in infants

Breastmilk hormones may help prevent obesity in infants
Closeup of a newborn nursing with a striped mesh hat

For years, scientists have attempted to understand the complexities of human milk—what it’s made of, how it’s produced, and how its unique composition affects an infant’s growth and development.

In a new study published in the International Journal of Obesity, CHILD Study researchers have helped to solve this puzzle. Led by Dr. Meghan Azad, the research analyzed breastmilk from 430 women in the CHILD Study, exploring the potential effects on infant body composition of three breastmilk hormones, and the association of maternal characteristics with variations in these hormones.

“We found that breastmilk hormone concentrations were significantly associated with infant body composition during the first year of life,” notes Dr. Azad.

“Our research has helped us to understand the roles that breastmilk adiponectin, leptin and insulin may play in the development and prevention of obesity in early childhood.”

Read the press release.