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Breastfeeding patterns and total volume of human milk consumed influence the development of the infant oral microbiomeThe oral microbiome of breastfed infants is distinct from that of formula-fed infants. However, breastfeeding characteristics, such as time spent breastfeeding (min/24 h), breastfeeding frequency (number of breastfeeds per day), and human milk intake (ml/day) vary significantly between breastfeeding dyads.
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The Milk Metabolome of Non-secretor and Lewis Negative MothersThe functional role of milk for the developing neonate is an area of great interest, and a significant amount of research has been done. However, a lot of work remains to fully understand the complexities of milk, and the variations imposed through genetics. It has previously been shown that both secretor (Se) and Lewis blood type (Le) status impacts the human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) content of human milk. While some studies have compared the non-HMO milk metabolome of Se+ and Se- women, none have reported on the non-HMO milk metabolome of Se- and Le- mothers.
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A Scoping Review of Methodologies Exploring Diet and Health Outcomes in Lactating Women: What Has Been Done and Where to Next?Developing dietary guidelines for lactating women presents significant challenges, due to limited evidence being available on their specific nutrient needs and the biological impacts of various dietary dimensions. Current dietary recommendations often rely on data from nonlactating women, leading to potential inaccuracies.
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Concentration of food allergens in breastmilk and association with maternal factors– A systematic reviewCommon food allergens have been detected in breast milk with wide inter-individual variations in concentrations. As maternal factors, such as age, smoking, and body mass index have been associated with breast milk composition, we aimed to identify maternal characteristics associated with the concentration of food allergens in breast milk.
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A newborn's perspective on immune responses to foodIn this review, we will highlight infants' immune responses to food, emphasizing the unique aspects of early-life immunity and the critical role of breast milk as a food dedicated to infants. Infants are susceptible to inflammatory responses rather than immune tolerance at the mucosal and skin barriers, necessitating strategies to promote oral tolerance that consider this susceptibility.
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Breastfeeding and Neonatal Age Influence Neutrophil-Driven Ontogeny of Blood Cell Populations in the First Week of Human LifeThe first few days of life are characterized by rapid external and internal changes that require substantial immune system adaptations. Despite growing evidence of the impact of this period on lifelong immune health, this period remains largely uncharted.
News & Events
World Breastfeeding Week: Q&AIn celebration of World Breastfeeding Week (1 – 7 August), we sat down with Professor Valerie Verhasselt to ask her some of the top questions about breastfeeding and immunology.
Research
Gene polymorphisms, breast-feeding, and development of food sensitization in early childhoodThe effect of breast-feeding on the development of allergic disease is uncertain
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Human Milk Microbiome and Microbiome-Related Products: Potential Modulators of Infant GrowthInfant growth trajectory may influence later-life obesity. Human milk provides a wide range of nutritional and bioactive components that are vital for infant growth. Compared to formula-fed infants, breastfed infants are less likely to develop later-onset obesity, highlighting the potential role of bioactive components present in human milk.
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Associations of Maternal Milk Feeding With Neurodevelopmental Outcomes at 7 Years of Age in Former Preterm InfantsMaternal milk feeding may have unique long-term neurodevelopmental benefits in very preterm infants. We examine the extent to which maternal milk feeding after very preterm birth is associated with cognitive, academic, and behavioral outcomes at school age.