breastfeeding Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Digital Baby Formula Campaigns Undermine Breastfeeding & Put Child Health at Risk

The AHA! Team — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 05:21:37 +0000

SciDev.Net via News-Medical – Breastfeeding saves lives. It is one of the most powerful, proven investments in child survival, development and health. A global resolution on digital marketing of breast milk substitutes must be rigorously enforced, writes Afshan Khan, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and coordinator of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement. Breastfeeding saves lives. It is one of the most powerful, proven investments in child survival, development and health. And yet its practice is being undermined — not by science, but by sophisticated and often misleading digital marketing. More than half of new parents are exposed to online promotions for formula milk, often disguised as medical advice or peer support. In some countries, that figure rises to over 90 per cent. What these aggressive campaigns for breast milk substitutes (BMS) do not tell parents is that breast milk is essential for building a child’s immune system — something formula simply cannot do. They also ignore a critical risk: formula must be mixed with water, and in communities without safe water access, this often leads to illness and infection in young children. Digital marketing campaigns are targeting parents at their most vulnerable — when they are seeking guidance, not manipulation. These tactics distort choice by drowning out trusted, evidence-based information with biased, misleading promotion. This not only undermines public health principles and a decade of progress in breastfeeding promotion, it also puts the health and future of entire generations at risk. These digital marketing tactics contravene a longstanding global framework. The International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes, adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1981, was designed to protect families from precisely this kind of exploitation. Yet, as a 2022 WHO and UNICEF report revealed, formula companies now spend up to 70 per cent of their marketing budgets on digital tools — from apps and virtual baby clubs to paid influencers and online forums — harvesting personal data and pushing targeted promotions in breach of the Code. In response, WHO member states adopted a landmark resolution at the World Health Assembly in Geneva this week (26 May) to curb digital marketing of breast milk substitutes and protect parents’ right to accurate, transparent information. Led by Mexico and Brazil and supported by nine country members of the UN-hosted Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement, this resolution is a critical step forward. The science on breast milk is long proven. By providing essential nutrition, strengthening immunity, and supporting cognitive development, breastfeeding can radically change the health and economic outcomes of mother and child. Scaling up breastfeeding globally could prevent 823,000 unnecessary child deaths and 20,000 deaths from breast cancer every year. It has been linked to a 20 per cent reduction in the risk of physical and cognitive stunting. These recognised advantages of breast milk had begun to take hold. Since 2012, rates of exclusive breastfeeding have risen from 37 per cent to nearly 48 per cent in 2021. Three quarters of these children live in low- and lower-middle-income countries, which represents important, tangible progress. But digital platforms spreading misleading formula marketing are cutting into this progress, with inadequate breastfeeding responsible for 16 per cent of child deaths each year. The new resolution gives countries a new framework to take action. Translating this into results will, however, require further coordinated efforts across sectors. First, stronger enforcement is essential. Countries need robust monitoring and accountability systems to track violations and respond effectively. Vietnam offers a promising model: with support from the SUN Civil Society Alliance, it has launched the AI-powered Virtual Violations Detector, which identifies breaches of the Code in real time and alerts regulators, enabling swift action and targeted advocacy. Another step will be to align fragmented policies across civil society and health systems. Harmful breast milk substitute marketing flourishes in disconnected systems, such as when health workers lack guidance, civil society is under-resourced, or tech platforms are unregulated. To close these gaps, governments must adopt an approach that brings all actors to the table. Finally, it is equally important to support positive campaigns that champion breastfeeding. It is not enough to restrict harmful marketing — parents need support and encouragement to make informed decisions. El Salvador has shown through its “Nacer con Cariño” (Born with Love) national policy how the promotion of breastfeeding can be integrated into prenatal and delivery care. Since its implementation in 2021, 69,000 babies have been born under this respectful care model and, thanks to the training of more than 1,000 breastfeeding counsellors supported by the SUN Movement, the country has far surpassed the global exclusive breastfeeding targets of 50 per cent for 2025, reaching a rate of more than 65 per cent. Informed parents make empowered choices, and empowered choices give every child the best possible start in life. Together with the resolution on the extension of the World Health Assembly nutrition targets, and the commitments made by countries at the Nutrition for Growth Summit in Paris earlier this year, we have a renewed mandate to act. Let’s make sure we use it and ensure this resolution moves from Geneva into meaningful action and change online and on the ground. Afshan Khan is Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and coordinator of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement. Source: SciDev.Net To read the original article click here.

The post Digital Baby Formula Campaigns Undermine Breastfeeding & Put Child Health at Risk appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Oxytocin (The Love Hormone): Benefits + How to Increase Levels

The AHA! Team — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 06:11:36 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Why is oxytocin called “the love drug”? It’s responsible for many aspects of social bonding and sexual pleasure and affects emotions. Oxytocin, nicknamed by some experts “the tend and befriend hormone,” is one of the most important hormones that humans (and many other mammals) produce. It plays an important role in: social bonding building relationships reproduction childbirth breastfeeding raising children Here’s something that may come as a surprise: According to the American Psychological Association, oxytocin is released in response to both positive social connection and stressful conditions. Levels have been found to be higher when someone is under stress, such as when exposed to social isolation or when in an unhappy relationship. It’s thought that increased levels may help motivate people to reach out for help. On the other hand, situations that make us feel safe, happy and connected tend to cause the release of several “feel-good hormones,” including oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin. What is oxytocin? Oxytocin is a hormone (technically a peptide or neuropeptide) that is involved in bonding. As a neuropeptide, it’s a “chemical messenger” that acts on organs, including the brain. What does oxytocin do, and where is it produced? Oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus region in the brain, often called the “control center” of the brain. It’s also thought to be influenced by activation of the amygdala, which is the region of the brain mostly associated with fear and memories. Once the hypothalamus sends signals for oxytocin to be produced, it’s either released into the bloodstream or to other parts of the brain and spinal cord. It binds to oxytocin receptors, influencing how we feel and behave toward others. Oxytocin influences the autonomic nervous system and the immune system. This includes having an effect on the “hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis” (also called the HPA axis), which dictates release of many hormones. This peptide hormone has been said to have “broad implications” for general health, including facilitating adaptation to stressors, development, growth, healing, reproduction and social behavior. It also seems to have anti-inflammatory and even antioxidant effects, since it defends the body against trauma, illness and stress-induced damage. Additionally, it helps keep blood pressure levels in the normal range and also balances cortisol levels, a primary “stress hormone.” We usually think of it as a feminine hormone, but do men produce oxytocin too? Yes. While it was originally considered a hormone that was only found in women due to its tie to labor, lactation and raising children, it’s now known to be present and important in both men and women (although women are still thought to produce more). For example, oxytocin helps with male reproduction, as well as female reproduction, by supporting production of testosterone in the testes and motility of sperm. Additionally, it affects both sexes’ metabolisms, moods, immune systems and more. How the love hormone affects emotions Why is oxytocin called “the love drug”? It’s responsible for many aspects of social bonding and sexual pleasure and affects emotions. Oxytocin also has similarities to endorphins (opiate chemicals) because we produce more in order to soothe ourselves in response to sources of pain and stress. How does oxytocin make you feel? Here’s a basic overview of the emotional effects of oxytocin: Research has told us that oxytocin’s effects are basically the opposite of those linked to our “fight or flight” response. Higher levels are linked to feeling calmer and having a better capacity to deal with stress. Newer research has suggested that increased oxytocin can potentially also increase feelings of generosity, forgiveness, trustworthiness, joy and security. It seems to help increase fidelity and monogamy in relationships by keeping us honest and facilitating compassion/empathy toward others. Plus it increases feelings of protectiveness. Benefits/uses 1. Helps with social bonding and building relationships Can oxytocin make you fall in love? The release of oxytocin is associated with feelings of love and protection, as well as empathy, trust and connectedness. Studies have shown that oxytocin enforces pro-social behaviors, attachment, bonding and even fidelity by rewarding those who maintain good relationships with positive, calm feelings of well-being. One study demonstrated that people in the early stages of romantic attachment, within the first six months of a new relationship, had higher circulating levels of oxytocin. It’s also known that oxytocin levels are high during sexual activity and after orgasms. Many forms of social contact seem to result in bursts of oxytocin, even if it’s anticipated social contact, such as planning for a date, party or get-together. The hormone also works on a “positive feedback loop.” It makes us want to socialize, which further increases our oxytocin production, which then makes us feel good so we continue to seek out relationships with others. 2. Boosts ability to cope with stress While it also works under times of low stress, oxytocin has been shown to be elevated under times of high stress, too. Some studies have found that people who report having poor social relationships usually have higher circulating levels of both oxytocin and the stress hormone cortisol than those reporting better relationships. Externally administering the hormone via supplements has been shown to help mitigate stress reactions, acting as a type of natural buffer. It can make people who are stressed seek out support through better social connections. It may also help protect the nervous system from shutting down in the face of stressful circumstances, including childbirth. By increasing someone’s motivation to find help from others, the hormone can help people find opportunities and engage in behaviors that lead to more security, joy and love. 3. Induces labor What does oxytocin do in women to facilitate reproduction? Not only does it help women bond with their sexual partners or potentially the future fathers of their children, but oxytocin also strengthens labor contractions during childbirth, along with helping control bleeding after childbirth. It facilitates production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that move labor along by increasing contractions. In prescription/synthetic form, it can be used to induce labor or speed up the process. The most widely used form is the brand-name drug Pitocin, which is commonly given to women in the hospital during labor. 4. Supports breastfeeding and child rearing According to a 2018 study focused on human evolution, some of oxytocin’s main functions are to support breastfeeding and nurturing maternal behaviors among both mothers and fathers. Research has linked the hormone to a mother’s ability to care for her infant in multiple ways, one of which is through breastfeeding. When a baby nurses from his/her mother’s breast, nerves in the nipple send a signal to the pituitary gland to produce oxytocin, which then causes tiny muscles around the nipple to squeeze and release milk. Experts also believe that oxytocin helps new mothers and fathers feel calm even during difficult life transitions, one of which is having and caring for a new baby. Levels have been shown to rise in parents due to affectionate touch and contact with their babies and children. 5. May have anti-aging and anti-obesity effects In one study, it was shown that higher oxytocin release is linked with protection against accelerated signs of aging and better regeneration of aged tissue stem cells, including muscle cells. Oxytocin injections may be used in the future to help injuries heal better, improve bone health and possibly prevent obesity. For example, some animal studies have found that oxytocin administration leads to sustained weight reduction by reducing food intake, which is believed to happen because it dampens the brain’s food-related reward circuitry. Additionally, it seems to reduce muscle and joint pain due to pain-dulling and anti-inflammatory effects. Higher circulating levels are also thought to be positively associated with lean mass and bone mineral density. 6. May help with social disorders Oxytocin has been investigated for its potential therapeutic effects on various psychiatric conditions characterized by social deficits and anxiety, including social phobia, autism spectrum disorders and postpartum depression. Research has suggested that oxytocin may modulate social behaviors and reduce anxiety, making it a promising candidate for treating social phobia. A review of clinical trials indicated that oxytocin administration could have beneficial effects across several conditions, including social anxiety. Oxytocin’s role in enhancing social cognition has led to studies exploring its application in autism as well. A meta-analysis of clinical trials found that oxytocin administration showed a significant combined effect in improving social behaviors in individuals with autism. The involvement of oxytocin in mood regulation and maternal behaviors has prompted investigations into its potential therapeutic effects on postpartum depression. Oxytocin is considered a promising neuromodulator for psychotherapeutic interventions in various psychiatric illnesses, including postpartum depression. While these findings are encouraging, it’s important to note that research is ongoing, and the therapeutic use of oxytocin for these conditions is still under investigation. Further studies are needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety profiles in these contexts. How to increase it Both higher- and lower-than-normal levels of oxytocin can cause health problems and changes in behavior among women and men, according to endocrinologists. Here are some examples of how: High levels among men may contribute to enlargement of the prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and urinary problems. Low levels (what some might call “oxytocin deficiency”) among women can interfere with child labor and breastfeeding. Low levels among both sexes have been linked to depression and anxiety, although it still isn’t totally clear how administering oxytocin supplements can help treat these and other mental health conditions. It’s also believed that low levels may be tied to autism and autistic spectrum disorders. Wondering, “How can I increase my oxytocin levels?” Is there a supplement for oxytocin or foods that can naturally boost production? Here are ways that you can naturally boost your production in order to promote feelings of well-being and connectedness: Physical contact. Hugs, massages, being intimate, shaking hands and breastfeeding all cause the release of oxytocin. Physical contact can increase levels whether it’s between lovers, friends, or children and their parents. Essential oils. Research has shown that certain essential oils, including clary sage oil, may help balance hormones and encourage production of “the love hormone.” Making eye contact Laughing Giving and receiving gifts (including money) Altruistic behaviors, such as cooking for others and sharing meals together Petting a dog, cat or other pet Doing “loving kindness” meditations or visualization Telling someone you love him or her Listening to calming music Speaking to someone you trust on the phone Walking or exercising with someone Looking at photos or videos of people you care about, including via social media Supplements, sprays and dosage What happens if you take oxytocin in supplement or spray form? Although more research is still needed to confirm how oxytocin supplements and sprays affect our behaviors and moods, researchers think there’s a possibility that administering this hormone may help people dealing with social and emotional problems. Conditions that oxytocin may be able to help include: autism or Asperger’s disorder social anxiety schizophrenia depression Some early experiments have suggested that oxytocin nasal sprays or injections may help people with these conditions better identify emotional content and facilitate social information processing. The synthetic version of oxytocin given intravenously (Pitocin) is also used to induce labor. Can oxytocin be taken orally? At this time there isn’t an oral supplement of this hormone available. Because it’s destroyed in the gastrointestinal tract, it’s given by injection or nasal spray instead. Dosage of oxytocin depends on why it’s being given and someone’s response; therefore it must be individualized. When it’s given to induce labor, IV infusion is used along with frequent monitoring. Infusion doses starting at 0.5 to 1 milliunits/minute, in some cases increasing up to 6 milliunits/minute, are typically given to women during labor. Does food have oxytocin? This hormone is not found in foods, but it does play a role in regulating appetite. Eating aphrodisiac foods (such as chocolate, coffee, fish, avocado and some herbs) may also improve your mood and desire for connection, leading to higher release. Risks and side effects Are there any oxytocin supplement...

The post Oxytocin (The Love Hormone): Benefits + How to Increase Levels appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

The Best Postnatal Vitamins for Mom and Baby

The AHA! Team — Fri, 17 May 2024 08:11:58 +0000

Christine Ruggeri, CHHC via Dr. Axe – You’ve likely read up on the importance of prenatal vitamins and how certain nutrients are needed in higher amounts during pregnancy, but did you know that the same is true even after you’ve given birth? Postnatal vitamins are used to ensure that new moms get the vitamins and minerals they need after giving birth. While eating a healthy, balanced diet is key or maintaining proper macronutrients and micronutrient levels, supplementing with the most important vitamins and minerals can support breastfeeding and recovery after giving birth. What Are Postnatal Vitamins? Postnatal vitamins provide the nutrients that women need during the postpartum period, after giving birth. While it’s important for women to maintain healthy levels of all macro- and micronutrients during this period, some vitamins and minerals play an important role in hormone balance, breast milk supply and healthy energy levels. Typically, a prenatal vitamin can be continued during the months after birth as well. Those nutrients are also needed during breastfeeding and the recovery phase. In essence, these vitamins are beneficial for women during their reproductive years. Best Postnatal Vitamins to Take The nutrients that are most important during pregnancy are also needed after delivery, especially for women who are breastfeeding. Here’s a breakdown of the most important vitamins and minerals for the postnatal period: 1. Iron Iron is an important nutrient during pregnancy and after birth. It helps prevent anemia, which can be exacerbated when a woman loses blood during delivery. If you have low iron levels and you’re taking a pre- or postnatal multivitamin, make sure it includes iron. If not, you can take a separate iron supplement for six to eight weeks after delivery or until your health care provider recommends stopping. The daily recommended intake of iron for women is 18–27 milligrams. 2. Calcium Calcium is needed for mom’s and baby’s bones, so getting enough while breastfeeding is important. Calcium is also needed for the circulatory, muscular and nervous systems to function properly. The recommended daily intake of calcium for pregnant and breastfeeding women is 1,000 milligrams. 3. Vitamin D Research indicates that efforts should be made to optimize vitamin D status in mothers during and after pregnancy to support healthy levels in the infant and mom. Not only do infants need vitamin D for healthy bones and teeth, but the nutrient also impacts women’s brain function, immunity, hormones and mood. Breastfeeding women should get about 600 international units (or 15 micrograms) of vitamin D per day. 4. Choline Choline is a nutrient that plays a role in nerve function, muscle movement, metabolism, energy and several other important body processes. The recommended daily intake for women who are breastfeeding is 550 milligrams of choline. 5. DHA Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential fatty acid that needs to be consumed in food or supplement form to maintain healthy levels. It supports infant development, and studies suggest that there are long-term benefits for infants with higher levels of DHA, including faster development of behavioral functions. Deficits in DHA may lead to learning impairments among infants. Babies get DHA through breast milk, so mothers need to make sure they get enough of the fat in food or supplement form. Breastfeeding women need between 300–900 milligrams of combined DHA and EPA (another omega-3 fats acid) per day. How to Take/Dosage Postnatal vitamins are taken after birth, typically for as long as you’re breastfeeding and your body is recovering from pregnancy. Speak to your doctor or midwife for usage and dosage recommendations for your body and lifestyle specifically. Postnatal multivitamins are available online and at health food stores. You can find them in capsule, gummy and powder forms. Look for a reputable brand, ideally with a USDA Certified Organic label and a full list of ingredients and dosage. If you’re going for a multivitamin, make sure to choose one that includes DHA. When you no longer need postnatal vitamins, you can switch over to a standard multivitamin to ensure that you maintain healthy levels of micronutrients, especially if your diet is lacking in certain areas. Food Sources The best way to maintain healthy levels of vitamins and minerals is by eating a diet rich in colorful, fresh foods, just like the pregnancy diet. Some of the foods that are highest in postnatal nutrients and should be incorporated into a woman’s diet after giving birth include: Yogurt Goat cheese Almonds Walnuts Broccoli Cauliflower Brussels sprouts Kale Spinach Swiss chard While beans Black beans Navy beans Chickpeas Split peas Lentils Wild-caught fish Organic poultry Grass-fed beef Cafe-free eggs Portobello mushrooms Pumpkin seeds Chia seeds Flaxseeds Women also need plenty of water during the postpartum period. Staying hydrated supports breast milk supply, energy levels and overall body function. Keep a water bottle close by throughout the day, and opt for drinking about 12–16 cups of water, depending on how often you nurse. Risks and Side Effects When it comes to getting enough micronutrients for optimal health, supplements aren’t a replacement for a healthy diet. They work best when taken as part of a balanced, healthy diet. Supplements can be used to cover any potential gaps in your diet. If you take any medications, check with your health care provider before using vitamin supplements. If you experience adverse reactions or side effects of a supplement, such as nausea, diarrhea, rash or flushing, discontinue use, and speak to your doctor. Conclusion Postnatal vitamins provide the nutrients that women need during the postpartum period, after giving birth. While it’s important for women to maintain healthy levels of all macro- and micronutrients during this period, some vitamins and minerals play an important role in hormone balance, breast milk supply, mood, brain function and healthy energy levels. Some of the most important nutrients during the post-birth period include iron, calcium, vitamin D, choline and DHA. You can get these vitamins and minerals from leafy greens, organic animal meat, dairy products, nuts and seeds, and legumes. Taking a postnatal supplement can help fill any gaps from your diet. To read the original article click here.

The post The Best Postnatal Vitamins for Mom and Baby appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

One Step Closer to Lab-Made Mother’s Milk

AHA Publisher — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 07:00:07 +0000

Abigail Klein Leichman via Israel21c – Baby formula is one of the products in severely short supply in the United States, due in part to the global supply chain crisis over the past two years. The ensuing formula shortage in recent months has highlighted the need for alternatives, as not every mother is able to breastfeed – and for premature babies, access to breastmilk can be lifesaving. A solution may be on its way from Israel. Food-tech startup Wilk Technologies has announced a breakthrough in its development of cell-cultured breastmilk: the company successfully produced a key breast milk protein, lactoferrin, in its lab. Lactoferrin is the major protein responsible for providing iron and other key nutrients to nursing infants and is one of the most important bioactive components of breastmilk. It has anti-infective, immunological and gastrointestinal benefits for newborns, infants and young children. Lactoferrin is found in concentrations up to 50 times higher in human milk than in cow milk, so incorporating human lactoferrin proteins into infant formula can provide a product that is considerably closer to real breastmilk than the cow and plant-based substitutes on the market. “This breakthrough brings us one step closer to our goal of providing all infants with the full range of nutritional benefits that can only be found in breastmilk,” said Tomer Aizen, CEO of Wilk. “This is significant news for both the infant formula industry and parents who may soon have access to the optimal product for ensuring their infants’ growth and development.” In addition to its benefits for infant nutrition, he noted, lactoferrin is under research for its preventive and therapeutic benefits for conditions including coronary heart disease and even Covid-19. Rehovot-based Wilk (formerly BioMilk) is working to enable the production of human lactoferrin in unlimited amounts, thus facilitating the long-term sustainable production of such proteins independent of animal or human sources. To read the original article click here.

The post One Step Closer to Lab-Made Mother’s Milk appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

New Study Reveals How Gut Microbes May Contribute to the Beneficial Effects of Breastfeeding

AHA Publisher — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 08:00:37 +0000

DTU (Technical University of Denmark) via News-Medical – It is widely acknowledged that breastfeeding benefits the health of infants. However, there is still a lack of solid evidence to document what happens in the gut of breastfed babies and how gut microbes may contribute to these beneficial effects. It has long been known that certain gut bacteria—bifidobacteria—are prevalent in the gut of breastfed infants. Although these bifidobacteria are considered beneficial, the reason why has so far been unclear. A new study has shown that the types of bifidobacteria, which utilize components of breastmilk to grow in the gut of infants, contain a particular enzyme. This enzyme enables the bacteria to produce small molecules that are believed to have a beneficial effect on the immune system. Researchers from the National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, and the Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports at the University of Copenhagen led the study, which has been published in Nature Microbiology. Unintended Discovery The idea for the project arose five years ago, when the driving forces behind the project, Martin Frederik Laursen and Henrik Munch Roager, made a discovery by coincidence while they were colleagues in the Research Group for Gut, Microbes and Health at the National Food Institute. The discovery piqued their curiosity to such an extent that they launched the project, which has been completed with a very small budget, a strong drive and persistence, and—importantly—support from within the research group. “It all started on a winter morning five years ago when we stumbled upon the fact that infant stool samples contained remarkably high levels of a certain molecule. And now we know that this particular molecule could be key in our understanding of how bifidobacteria help strengthening breastfed children’s immune system,” says Henrik Munch Roager, who was the principal investigator on the study and is now Associate Professor at the Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports at the University of Copenhagen. The researchers’ focus has been to understand the reason why such high concentrations of these substances—the so-called aromatic lactic acids—are present in breastfed infants’ faeces, and how they potentially could affect the health of infants. “Experiments in the lab have shown us that the aromatic lactic acids, which the bifidobacteria produce in the gut, can affect the activity of immune cells in what we would consider to be a beneficial direction in relation to a well-balanced immune response. This could prove relevant when for example the infant’s immune system is fighting an infection,” senior researcher Martin Frederik Laursen from the National Food Institute explains. Raises More Interesting Questions The study design did not allow the researcher to look at the incidence of disease among the infants who participated. Therefore, a natural follow-up study would look at the connections between the aromatic lactic acids, the development of the immune system early in life and their role in preventing disease. “More studies are needed to be able to prove whether the immune effects observed in the laboratory, also apply to infants and to what extent these effects provide protection against infections and immune-related diseases later in life,” says Martin Frederik Laursen and adds: “Furthermore, we do not know if there is a window where this effect of breastfeeding is particularly important in order to achieve the optimal effect on the immune system. Naturally, it is interesting and relevant to investigate this further.” Knowledge Might Be Useful for Improving Infant Formulas The researchers hope that down the line, the results of the study can pave the way for new, targeted ways of strengthening children’s immune systems in early life. “The results of the study are useful for supporting measures aimed at helping children develop a balanced gut microbiota, which supports a well-functioning immune system. Such measures include supporting breastfeeding and developing new types of infant formula and probiotics that promote the presence of these bifidobacteria in life early,” says Henrik Munch Roager. Caption: The studied bifidobacteria utilize certain carbohydrates (human milk oligosaccharides) in breastmilk to grow in the gut where they transform aromatic amino acids (which are also found in breastmilk) into aromatic lactic acids. The production of these aromatic lactic acids in the gut probably has a beneficial effect on the infants’ immune system. Caption: During the course of the study, Henrik Munch Roager (left) and Martin Frederik Laursen both became dads (again). Source: DTU (Technical University of Denmark) Journal reference: Laursen, M.F., et al. (2021) Bifidobacterium species associated with breastfeeding produce aromatic lactic acids in the infant gut. Nature Microbiology. doi.org/10.1038/s41564-021-00970-4. To read the original article click here.

The post New Study Reveals How Gut Microbes May Contribute to the Beneficial Effects of Breastfeeding appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Reducing Aluminium Intake Can Minimize Potential Health Risks

AHA Publisher — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 08:00:19 +0000

BFR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment via EurekAlert – Consumers can take up aluminium compounds from various sources, such as food, cosmetic products like aluminum containing antiperspirants and toothpaste, food contact materials like uncoated aluminum menu or baking trays and drugs. For the first time, the BfR has now estimated the total aluminum intake for different age groups (infants, children and adolescents as well as adults) and carried out a risk assessment. In addition, the contributions of the various sources of total aluminium intake by the population were compared with one another. A high intake of aluminium compounds can cause, among other things, neurotoxic developmental disorders as well as damage the kidneys, liver and bones. The BfR bases its assessment of the population’s aluminium intake from food on the latest consumption and concentration data. Consumption data are collected through consumer surveys and provide information on which foods and how much of them are eaten by different consumer groups. The concentration data used show the average aluminium concentrations in the different food categories. For non-food products, such as cosmetics or packaging, the exposure assessment is also based on data regarding aluminium contents in the products. Furthermore, typical application forms and quantities are taken into account. For the risk assessment of aluminium intake, the BfR uses the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) derived from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) of 1 milligram aluminium per kilogram body weight. The BfR’s assessment shows that aluminium intake from food is lower compared to previous studies. Food is still a relevant, but no longer the population’s main source of intake. If other relevant sources of aluminium intake are taken into account, such as aluminium containing cosmetic products and uncoated food contact materials, the total intake can exhaust or even exceed the TWI for all age groups. Consumers can influence their aluminium intake. Those who want to reduce their aluminium intake should use aluminium containing antiperspirants and toothpaste sparingly. When it comes to food, the BfR recommends a varied diet as well as alternating products and brands. This can contribute to reducing the risk of permanently high aluminium intake caused by individual highly contaminated products. The BfR recommends, also for other reasons, exclusively breastfeeding infants in the first six months of life, if possible. The BfR generally advises against the preparation and storage of, in particular, acidic and salty foods in uncoated aluminium articles or aluminium foil. If the aforementioned and avoidable sources of intake are reduced, most consumers are not expected to suffer any adverse health effects. The BfR recommends that manufacturers take appropriate measures to reduce the amount of aluminium in food. These may include, for example, using raw materials with low aluminium content or coated materials for processing and packaging food. There is still a high level of uncertainty in aluminium risk assessment because important data is still missing or can be interpreted differently. This concerns, for example, the question of how much aluminium is actually absorbed through the skin as well as the possible occurrence of certain long-term consequences of chronic exposure to aluminium. To read the original article click here.

The post Reducing Aluminium Intake Can Minimize Potential Health Risks appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.