Breast Milk Hormones and Regulation of Glucose Homeostasis
2011
Breast Milk Hormones and Their Role in Glucose Regulation
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Francesco Savino, Stefania Alfonsina Liguori, Miriam Sorrenti, Maria Francesca Fissore, Roberto Oggero
Primary Institution: Department of Pediatrics, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, University of Turin, Italy
Hypothesis
Breast milk hormones may influence glucose metabolism and energy balance in infants.
Conclusion
Breast milk contains hormones that play a significant role in regulating glucose homeostasis and may impact growth and metabolic health later in life.
Supporting Evidence
- Breast milk contains hormones like leptin, adiponectin, resistin, and ghrelin.
- These hormones are involved in energy balance and glucose metabolism.
- Higher leptin and lower ghrelin levels in breast-fed infants may explain growth differences compared to formula-fed infants.
- Leptin plays a crucial role in regulating food intake and energy homeostasis from early life.
- Adiponectin enhances insulin action and glucose utilization in infants.
- Resistin may contribute to metabolic homeostasis in newborns.
- Ghrelin levels in breast milk can influence appetite and growth in infants.
Takeaway
Breast milk has special hormones that help babies use sugar better and grow healthy. These hormones can affect how they manage energy as they grow up.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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