In a study headed up by the Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, researchers found that breastmilk from obese mothers has pro-inflammatory properties and decreased neuroprotective factors.
In a notably-small sample size of 21 lean and 21 obese mothers and their babies were evaluated two months after birth. According to the study, breastmilk from obese mothers had higher omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio and lower concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docasapentaenoic acid and lutein compared with lean mothers. These fatty acids are correlated with inflammation. There were no differences in infant growth measurements.
A decrease in the concentration of these fatty acids has a significant impact on early visual and neurodevelopment.
For more information, read the full study.
