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New York, NY – A groundbreaking study led by researchers at NYU Langone Health and the University of Manitoba has revealed that extending breastfeeding beyond three months significantly lowers the risk of asthma in children. This protective effect is attributed to the influence of breast milk on the microbial communities in infants’ guts and respiratory tracts.
Published in the journal Cell on September 19, the study highlights how human breast milk shapes the microbial environment during the critical first year of life. The research indicates that breastfeeding fosters the gradual maturation of the microbiome in both the digestive system and the nasal cavity. In contrast, early weaning—before three months—can disrupt this process, leading to an increased likelihood of developing asthma by preschool age.
The Role of Breast Milk in Microbiome Development
Key components of breast milk, particularly human milk oligosaccharides, serve as fuel for specific beneficial microbes. These oligosaccharides can only be digested with the help of these microbes, giving them a competitive edge in establishing a healthy microbiome. Infants who are transitioned to formula before three months often experience an influx of microbes that thrive on formula, which has been linked to higher asthma risks.
“Just as a pacemaker regulates the rhythm of the heart, breastfeeding and human milk set the pace and sequence for microbial colonization,” stated Dr. Liat Shenhav, a computational biologist and co-senior investigator of the study. “Healthy microbiome development requires not only the right microbes but also their timely arrival.”
Key Findings on Microbial Dynamics
The research tracked the microbial changes in the guts and nasal passages of infants participating in the CHILD Cohort Study, which monitors 3,500 Canadian children from prenatal stages into adolescence. This extensive data allowed researchers to isolate the impact of breastfeeding from other environmental factors such as prenatal smoke exposure and maternal asthma history.
Notably, the bacterium Ruminococcus gnavus was identified as appearing much earlier in the guts of children who were weaned early. This bacterium plays a critical role in the production of short-chain fatty acids and the metabolism of tryptophan, both of which are essential for immune system development and regulation.
Implications for Future Research
The study employed machine-learning models to predict asthma risk years in advance based on the dynamics of infant microbiomes and the components of maternal milk. The findings underscore breastfeeding’s essential role in shaping a child’s microbial landscape, ultimately supporting respiratory health.
“Our research aims to inform national guidelines on breastfeeding and weaning practices in a data-driven manner,” Dr. Shenhav emphasized. “With further research, our findings could contribute to strategies for preventing asthma in children who cannot be breastfed for at least three months.”
The implications of this study are profound, providing a clearer understanding of how breastfeeding duration impacts health outcomes and suggesting that promoting extended breastfeeding could be crucial in reducing childhood asthma rates.
Reference: Shenhav, L. et al. “Microbial colonization programs are structured by breastfeeding and guide healthy respiratory development.” Cell, 19 September 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.07.022.
