An international study analyzed blood samples from more than 3,400 children in 11 countries. The researchers compared those who were exclusively breastfed for at least three months with those who did not receive this type of food. The differences appeared in epigenetic marks called DNA methylation. Essas changes emerged after birth and were not present in the umbilical cord blood.
The results were published in the journalClinical Epigenetics. The work involved institutions such as Barcelona Institute for Global Health, University of Exeter and University of Bristol. The changes focused on genes related to the immune system and development. Scientists were able to distinguish, years later, which children had been exclusively breastfed just by analyzing their DNA.
Alterações arise after birth
DNA methylation works like a switch that regulates gene activity without modifying the genetic code. In the study, the marks only appeared in blood samples collected in childhood. Isso indicates that the process occurred due to breastfeeding and not hereditary factors.
The researchers highlight the consistency of the findings despite the geographic diversity of the participants. Ainda thus warns that the sample size, although large, may not represent all human populations. Mais surveys are needed to confirm patterns across different groups.
Mudanças focus on immunity genes
Epigenetic differences accumulated mainly in regions of the genome linked to the functioning of the organism’s defense system. Outros affected points involve child development processes.
- Metilação higher in immune genes in exclusively breastfed children
- Ausência of the same marks in blood collected at birth
- Possibilidade to identify breastfeeding history through DNA testing years later
- Foco exclusively breastfed for at least three months
- Resultados consistent across cohorts from 11 different countries
Esses points summarize the main findings of the epigenomic-wide analysis. The team used data from the Pregnancy And Childhood Epigenetics (PACE) consortium.
Benefícios breastfeeding acquaintances remain valid
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, ear infections, serious respiratory diseases and sudden infant death syndrome. Data comes from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of Estados Unidos.
Para mothers, breastfeeding is associated with a lower chance of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Quanto the longer breastfeeding lasts, the greater these protective effects tend to be. The new epigenetic study offers a possible molecular explanation for some of these benefits observed decades ago.
Limites from research and medical recommendations
The study authors avoid claiming that epigenetic changes directly improve immunity or development. Eles classify the results as associative and call for further investigation to link the methylation marks to concrete clinical outcomes.
Pediatras reinforce that the decision about breastfeeding is personal and involves multiple factors. Capacidade physical, work demands, mental health and individual preferences all weigh into the choice. Muitas women are unable to breastfeed or choose not to.
The CDC recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, gradually introducing solid foods and continuing for a year or more. Academia Americana from Pediatria and Organização Mundial from Saúde support practice until age two or beyond whenever possible.
Impacto for Formula Parents
Pais who opt for formula should not view the study as a cause for concern. The researchers themselves say that there is still a need to connect epigenetic changes to specific health outcomes. Child nutrition represents just one of many elements that influence development.
Condições Environmental, lifestyle and social factors also shape children’s trajectories. The main message of the research is that the biology of early feeding reveals more complexity than previously imagined.