Genes and Breast Milk
Ounce for ounce, breast milk contains better fats, protein, carbohydrates, immune boosters, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and hormones than formula. (Comparison of Human Milk and Formula, AskDrSears.com) New evidence suggests, however, that not all breast milk is created equal because not all breastfeeding mothers are created equal (Newswise, May 17, 2005).
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have shown that two genes, ApoA4 and ApoE, help to determine the amount of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and total fat in the breast milk mothers produce. Dr. Richard B. Weinbert says,
…in the future, similar genetic testing may help identify women who need to modify their diet or take supplements to maximize the nutritional value of their breast milk.
DHA is an omega-3 fat that is critical in the development of the brain and eye. DHA deficiency is believed to play a role in autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and learning disabilities. Mothers who carry the 347S variant of ApoA4 produce 40% more DHA in their breast milk than women with the more common (347T) version. Because of the many beneficial effects of DHA, I took supplements while breastfeeding my son during his first year. Now I wonder which variant I carry.
Mothers carrying the E4 variant of the ApoE gene were found to have 40 to 75% less total fat in their breast milk and would thus provide less calories per ounce. This finding, however, doesn’t concern me much. It is well understood that babies are capable of self-regulating the amount of calories they ingest. For mothers whose breast milk has a lower caloric content, their babies would most likely compensate by drinking more. And it is usually obvious if a baby is not getting enough calories because they look and act unwell.
Breastfeeding is one of the most controversial subjects among parents today. A mother’s health and nutritional status are often called into question if her baby does not thrive. Instead of teaching mothers proper breastfeeding techniques, society often attempts to make them feel better by telling them that it’s ok because formula is readily available. While I believe that each family has its own right to choose between breast milk and formula, I’m afraid that once a mother’s genetic make-up is known, it will be one more reason to blame her for inadequate breast milk.
Ooohhh… a sore topic. :p And yes, I agree, it could be more reason to blame mothers. If, by genetic testing, a mother is found to have ’sufficient’ breastmilk… then, in theory, she should be able to breastfeed. But, there are always several factors that enable or disable a mother to do so.
I AM pro-breastfeeding. And, I would prefer to breastfeed my children for at least up to a year. But, as I found out sadly, there are many other things that affect breastfeeding.
If, by genetic testing I will find more fingers pointed at me, then I’d say, "There’s no way you’re touching my genes."
I bet you will get a lot of feedback on this topic. That’s an interesting bit of information I had not heard anywhere else. Thanks for posting it.
Hrm, my kids all breastfed a lot (indicating perhaps they’d been drinking a lower fat milk?) and one of them may have an autism spectrum disorder. Interesting.
Admin – You make an interesting point about mothers who are supposedly able to provide adequate breastmilk based on their genetic make-up or other testing but who choose not to for whatever reason. It just seems like everyone’s out to blame mothers for anything and everything nowadays. (BTW, it’s so weird calling you Admin. Are you going to change it to your name someday? Meanwhile, I don’t know if it’s ok to use your real name so I won’t.)
river2sea72 – Glad you found it interesting. Based on my reading of the news release, most people who come across this latest bit of information are not well versed in lactation. I hope I set the record straight about some things.
anon – The genetics of autisim is one I’m planning to cover soon. I hope you’ll come back and give me your input. Suffice it to say that it is a very complicated disorder with many genetic and environmental contributions. I hope you’re not blaming yourself in any way.
LOL! OK – changed it now. ‘been debating whether I would change or not. In the end, I figured, why not? So, here I am.
Back on topic: I really don’t understand all the fuss about blaming mothers. Maybe it’s Freud’s fault.
Anyway, sure, there are those who’re not doing what they’re ’supposed’ to do (basic caring and nurturing). But, I think most mums love their kids and only wish to give them the very best. OK, I can go on and on about this, so I better stop now.
Unless my memory is garbled (which happens more than I like to admit), WHO recommends breastfeeding for the first 2-3 years of your child’s life.
I too think it is a highly personal choice, for every family. I see things like this in the news or helpful blogs such as this, and I too think that it will be one more thing to use to blame mothers, or one more thing which doesn’t offer moms the support we NEED in our more wealthy cultures to breastfeed our children.
I would be interested in whether researchers have noted the percentages of such things as autism in Third World nations as compared with wealthier nations.
Shai – What did you mean about not understanding the fuss about blaming mothers? You mean you don’t get why people are doing it? I’d have to agree that Freud had a lot to do with influencing Western attitudes toward family! (Based on what little I’ve read…you’re the expert!
Qadira – I did a quick search and didn’t see any reliable numbers comparing developing countries with the U.S. It looks like the prevalence and incidence of autism disorders is even hard to estimate in the U.S. I’ll address the genetics of autism sometime next week.
I appreciate your great research. I and a group of doctors are trying to do a study on the effect of the breast feeding on the genetic map of the baby.Besides we are trying to test whether the mother’s milk for a male and a female babies are the same in consistency and composition or not.
We will be thankful if you help us accomplish this study.
Best regards
Dr. Obay Saleh Al-Rawi, Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately, I am not sure how I can help you with your study of breastfeeding. I am not currently affiliated with any academic or research institution.