User:JJThai/Human milk microbiome

Influences on Health
Breastfeeding is thought to be an important driver of infant gut microbiome establishment. The gut microbiome of breastfed infants is less diverse, contains higher amounts of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species, and fewer potential pathogenic taxa than the gut microbiome of formula-fed infants. Human milk bacteria may reduce risk of infection in breastfed infants by competitively excluding harmful bacteria, and producing antimicrobial compounds which eliminate pathogenic strains. Certain Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, the growth of which is stimulated by HMOs, contribute to healthy metabolic and immune-related functioning in the infant gut. [[Human milk microbiome ]]

Benefits for breastfeeding mother
Breastfeeding is an essential component of maternal health, providing numerous benefits. It has been associated with a decreased risk of metabolic disease, improved immune function, and delayed menstrual cycles. Lactobacillus fermentum, a type of probiotic bacteria, has been identified as a means of reducing the risk of breast cancer. [--copied from original section--Research studies showed that L. fermentum could improve mastitis, a common inflammatory disease associated with lactation, by reducing the number of Streptococcus load which is believed to be the causal agent and risk factor of mastitis.--copied from original section--] Additionally, notable benefits of breastfeeding have been theoretically sustained to be able to reduce metabolic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The lactation process requires a substantial amount of energy expenditure, which can mitigate the risk of these diseases. Lactobacillus fermentum has been shown to facilitate weight loss and reduce fat mass, as well as improve insulin sensitivity, thereby helping to prevent diabetes and obesity. Moreover, hormonal changes during lactation can further improve metabolism and glucose homeostasis, suggesting reduction in potential metabolic diseases. However, it is hard to determine the exact factor affecting weight change after birth due to various confounding factors such as pre-pregnancy BMI, weight gain during pregnancy, and social support. A recent meta-analysis of 13 cohort studies have found that breast feeing has been shown to decrease inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, which are associated with insulin resistance and T2DM.

On the other hand, breastfeeding can also delay menstrual cycles, reducing the risk of iron-deficiency anemia and related health issues. Prolactin, a hormone produced during lactation, suppresses ovulation, preventing the mother from menstruating. This suppression can continue for up to 6 months postpartum, serving as a natural form of birth control.

It is also suggested that in addition to physcial benefits, breastfeeding can reduce the risk of postpartum depression. Breastfeeding mothers report less anxiety, less negative mood, and less stress, as well as increased sleep duration and reduced sleep disturbances when compared to formula-feeding mothers. Studies on post-partum depression demonstrate that breastfeeding may protect mothers from this disorder, and researchers have strived to explain the biological proecesses that explain this protection. For example, lactation attenuates neuro-endocrine responses to stress, and this may be related to fewer post-partum depressive symptoms. Moreover, early breastfeeding cessation was linked to higher risk of post-partum depression. It is the psychological pressure to exclusively breastfeed that contributes to postpartum depression symptoms in mothers unable to achieve their breastfeeding intentions. In a prospective follow-up for eight weeks postpartum, mothers with breastfeeding problems (including mastitis, nipple pain, need for frequent expressing of milk, or over-supply or under-supply of milk) showed poor mental health.