Yesterday we echoed an investigation that has identified an oligosaccharide in breast milk with beneficial effects on learning and remembering abilities. Well, I'm not tired of highlighting the benefits of this lively and intelligent substance, whose components adapt exactly to the needs of each baby, what other food has that capacity?
In this era in which childhood obesity worries us so much, it is important to know, and numerous studies have shown, that breastfeeding from birth reduces the chances of the child developing overweight and obesity. A hormone present in breast milk It has a lot to do with this decrease, since its function is key to regulate baby's metabolism.
Configure the baby's metabolic profile
When the baby is born, it is normal and natural for him to be fed with his mother's milk, prepared to offer him all the nutrients he needs, as well as living substances (immune system cells, regenerative stem cells and thousands of bioactive molecules) that they act like programmers in the baby's organism.
Scientists from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the University of Barcelona (UB) have found that a compound present in breast milk, called fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), have a key role for nutrient absorption and regulation of intestinal function in newborns
They have also found that contributes to improve its growth during the first weeks of life, as well as your metabolic profile.
What is the hormone FGF21?
It is a hormone produced by the liver that is naturally present in the human body, although in some people it is more active than in others. Until now it was known that it had a favorable action on fat metabolism and sugar absorption, so it was attributed anti-diabetic and anti-obesity properties.
In addition, it has now been shown that by passing neonates through breast milk, FGF21 acts on the intestine, where it stimulates the production of enzymes that promote lactose absorption, as well as other gastrointestinal hormones that help to assimilate nutrients correctly.
The result is that newborns have a better metabolic profile and superior development by 25% of newborns who do not receive this compound.
Does this seek to improve formula milk?
I have also seen it in the research that I mentioned yesterday. After presenting the results of the study, they suggested that identifying the benefits of breast milk components is very positive for mimic these compounds to improve formula milks.
Bad way if so ... And useless also, since formula milk can never match a lively and intelligent substance such as breast milk.
