We are beginning to know that breastfeeding is excellent for the health of children. Breast milk thus gives babies excellent immunity, reduces their risk of developing chronic diseases (Crohn’s disease, leukemia, diabetes, etc.), and could even be beneficial for their intelligence quotient (IQ).
Researchers at the Penn State College of Medicine (in the United States) have just discovered a new good reason to breastfeed, if one were needed: breast milk would reduce the risk of allergies, and would also reduce the risk of developing asthma or eczema, pathologies that are known to be linked to an allergic terrain.
To reach this conclusion, the researchers followed 163 young mothers for 1 year. The composition of their milk was studied in detail on three occasions – at the birth of the child, at 4 weeks and at 4 months.
A beneficial microRNA for the baby’s health
Result ? The researchers found that children who were breastfed for more than 3 months had (on average) a significantly lower risk of developing an allergy (food or other), asthma or eczema. According to scientists, this benefit is linked to the presence of a specific molecule in breast milk: micro-RNA 375-3p (miR-375), the concentration of which increases gradually over time.
“There are at least 1000 different microRNAs in breast milk: we believe that 4 of them could have a protective effect against allergiessay the researchers. We do not yet understand exactly by which mechanism miR-375 acts, but what is certain is that this molecule is beneficial for the health of the child.“
Note: the researchers observed higher levels of miR-375 in the milk of young mothers with a body mass index (BMI) of less than 25. This discovery could eventually lead to the fortification of milk powders sold in the trade in beneficial microRNAs – because breastfeeding must of course remain a choice!
