Lactation as a programming window for metabolic syndrome

Area of Science:

• Developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD)
• Maternal and infant nutrition
• Metabolic programming

Background:

• The DOHaD concept initially focused on fetal development, but now includes lactation, infancy, adolescence, and preconception.
• Maternal overweight and obesogenic diets during critical windows harm offspring.
• This review focuses on maternal obesity and diet during lactation's impact on metabolic syndrome development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and summarize current knowledge on maternal obesity and obesogenic diets during lactation.
• To examine the impact on metabolic programming and the development of metabolic syndrome in adult offspring.
• To discuss the effects on milk quality, infant gut microbiota, immune maturation, and nutrient sensing.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of current research findings.
• Analysis of studies investigating maternal diet and obesity during lactation.
• Examination of impacts on milk composition and offspring metabolic health markers.

Main Results:

• Maternal obesity and obesogenic diets alter milk micro and macronutrient profiles.
• These alterations contribute to infant insulin resistance and adiposity.
• Milk quality and formula feeding impact infant gut microbiota, immune development, and nutrient-sensing pathways.

Conclusions:

• Maternal nutrition during lactation is a critical window for metabolic programming.
• Obesity and obesogenic diets can program offspring for metabolic syndrome.
• Further research is needed to understand and mitigate these long-term health risks.