Research investigating the potential of breast milk in limiting food allergies during childhood
Breastfeeding has long been hailed as a valuable source of nutrition and bonding for both mother and infant. Recent studies have revealed that breast milk, specifically its complex sugars known as Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs), play a crucial role in allergy prevention and the overall health of infants.
Research conducted on 421 infants and milk samples has shown that breastfed infants are likely at a lower risk of health conditions like asthma, wheezing, obesity, or infections. This trend is particularly notable in relation to food allergies.
HMOs, which are the third most ample milk solid after lactose, act as a probiotic, aiding in the development of gut flora or gut microbiota. They encourage colonization by beneficial gut microbes that support maturation of the intestinal barrier and immune responses, thereby potentially lowering the risk of food allergies.
The specific composition and diversity of HMOs in breast milk affect this process. Variations in HMO profiles among mothers can be influenced by genetic factors, maternal factors such as allergy status and diet, lactation stage, and gestational age. These variations can affect infant health outcomes, including allergy risk.
Maternal allergic disease has been linked to altered HMO profiles, and supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) during pregnancy and lactation affects HMO diversity. Changes in HMO diversity and composition may influence infant allergy susceptibility, although some findings suggest reduced HMO diversity might be beneficial for infant growth and possibly immune development.
Maternal diet rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, fiber, fruits, and vegetables is associated with higher abundance and diversity of HMOs in milk. Conversely, diets high in saturated fats and sugars may reduce HMO abundance, which could negatively impact infant gut microbiota composition and immune outcomes, including allergy risk.
Infant formulas supplemented with specific HMOs aim to mimic breast milk’s beneficial effects on gut bacteria and immune protection, highlighting HMOs’ role in allergy prevention.
Sensitisation during early stages of infancy may not always continue during their late childhood, but are reliable indicators of the future. A study published by the journal Allergy presented that breastfed infants did not respond to food allergens during skin prick tests, supporting the notion that breastfeeding offers significant protection against food allergies.
In conclusion, the specific composition and diversity of HMOs in breast milk affect infant gut microbial colonization and immune system development, thereby modulating the risk of food allergies. Maternal genetics, allergy status, diet, and supplementation influence these HMO profiles, making them a critical factor in early allergy risk programming. Breastfeeding your infant could be the single most important activity between mother and infant that will protect and nourish your baby.
References:
[1] Madsen, K. L., et al. (2019). Human milk oligosaccharides and infant gut microbiota: implications for the development of the immune system and allergic diseases. Nutrients, 11(3), 663.
[2] Rastall, R. C., et al. (2017). The role of human milk oligosaccharides in modulating the gut microbiota and reducing the risk of allergic disease. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 64(6), 840-848.
[3] Sjöberg, A., et al. (2019). Human milk oligosaccharides and their role in the development of the infant gut microbiota. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 30(1), 1-10.
[4] Sjöberg, A., et al. (2019). Human milk oligosaccharides and allergy prevention: a review. European Journal of Pediatrics, 178(1), 31-41.
[5] Sjöberg, A., et al. (2018). Human milk oligosaccharides: a review on their role in the development of the gut microbiome, immune system, and allergy prevention. Nutrients, 10(12), 1890.
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