Breastfeeding and autoimmunity: Programing health from the beginning.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Pediatrics
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Breast milk provides essential nutrition and immune factors crucial for infant development.
• Early life immune imprinting influences long-term health and disease susceptibility.
• The role of breastfeeding in modulating immune responses and preventing diseases is a key area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the scientific literature and clarify the association between breastfeeding and autoimmune diseases.
• To investigate the underlying mechanisms linking human milk intake to immune system development and disease prevention.
• To explore the implications of breastfeeding for mothers with pre-existing autoimmune conditions.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing studies on breastfeeding and autoimmune diseases.
• Analysis of data concerning immune-active molecules in breast milk.
• Evaluation of epidemiological evidence linking breastfeeding to specific autoimmune conditions.

Main Results:

• Breastfeeding is associated with reduced incidence of type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, and asthma.
• Protective mechanisms include infection defense, anti-inflammatory effects, tolerance induction, and microbiome regulation.
• The impact of breastfeeding on juvenile idiopathic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease is inconclusive.
• High prolactin levels during breastfeeding may trigger or worsen autoimmune diseases in susceptible mothers.

Conclusions:

• Breastfeeding offers significant benefits for infant immune health and protection against certain autoimmune diseases.
• Further research is needed to determine safe breastfeeding guidelines for mothers with autoimmune conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus.
• The bidirectional relationship between maternal autoimmune status and infant health via breastfeeding requires careful consideration.