How does maternal lifestyle affect breast milk and infant health? Original paper

The review identified several notable associations:

• Maternal obesity was associated with altered fatty acid profiles in breast milk (increased saturated fats, higher omega-6/omega-3 ratio, lower ALA/DHA levels), which potentially affect infant cognitive function and growth.
• Adequate intakes of micronutrients like iodine and omega-3 fatty acids were associated with better infant neurodevelopment and reduced skin disease risks.
• Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids increased DHA/EPA levels in breast milk and was associated with improved neurological outcomes.
• Iron intake was associated with better infant growth, whereas probiotics had mixed effects on immune markers and eczema risk.
• Maternal smoking was associated with lower levels of osteopontin (a signaling protein) in breast milk, which may increase the risk of infections and autoimmune diseases in infants.