For the first time, Marie Françoise Rolland-Cachera, former researcher at Inserm and her collaborators from the Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN) have shown that breastfeeding has a protective effect on the risk of obesity at 20. years. In a study published in the Journal of pediatrics, researchers also point out that nutritional intake at the age of two is crucial for ensuring this beneficial effect of breast milk.
Children need lipids
As Marie Françoise Rolland Cachera emphasizes, the diet of young children is often characterized by high protein and low lipid intake, and breast milk is rich in fat and contains a low proportion of protein. This is perfect because, according to official nutritional recommendations, lipids should not be restricted in young children in order to meet their high energy needs for growth and for the rapid development of their nervous system.
“Our study shows that the beneficial effect of breast milk may be masked if a child is offered a diet restricted in lipids before the age of 2-3 years. A restriction of lipids can program the metabolism of the child to cope with the deficit, but this adaptation will make him more likely to develop overweight when lipid intakes increase later. “
For this study, the researchers used figures from the ELANCE cohort, which has followed healthy children since birth in 1984 and 1985.
Breastfeeding information was collected and nutrient intakes were assessed at ages 10 months and 2 years, then every two years until age 20. At 20, several measurements were taken including height, weight, and body composition (lean mass and fat mass).
In conclusion, researchers agree on the benefit of breastfeeding which reduces the risk of future obesity and stress the importance of eating according to official recommendations for young children.