Nearly 80% of women breastfeed babies for a short duration, but the number falls once milk production drops. A report by Derby Informer indicates that researchers are studying why this is common in women suffering from obesity with a focus on chronic inflammation.
Chronic inflammation affects fatty acids absorption
According to the US Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025, mothers should breastfeed newborns exclusively for six months and continue until they introduce complementary foods for one year or more. On the other hand, the World Health Organisation and the American Academy of Paediatrics recommend continued breastfeeding of the newborn for up to two years and more.
Past research has shown that chronic inflammation starts in the fat before spreading to systems and organs when the individual is obese. Surprisingly inflammation affects fatty acids absorption into body issues. These fatty acids are important fat building blocks necessary for the growing baby.
Lead study author Rachel Walker who is a postdoctoral fellow at Penn State University said that there is a strong correlation between fatty acids someone consumers and their systems. For instance, eating salmon gives someone omega-3 fatty acids, but earring hamburgers will make someone’s system have saturated fats in the blood.
Chronic inflammation shortens breastfeeding duration in obese women
Med India reported that moms that exclusively breastfeed their babies have a high relationship between fatty acids in their blood system and breast milk produced. But chronic inflammation because of obesity may cause a struggle to produce adequate milk, and the connection is not there. Evidence shows that fatty acids don’t enter the mammary glands of mothers with chronic inflammation.
Studies show that obese women have an increased or reduced breastfeeding period. This latest study offers clues about the underlying mechanism that could contribute to this. As a result, these findings could lead to better treatment and strategies to help women to breastfeed their babies.
It is vital to note that breastfeeding has health benefits for the baby and the mother since it can protect from some illnesses.
