Breast milk protein could help babies avoid obesity

A PROTEIN discovered in breast milk could help babies avoid obesity and heart disease in later life, it was revealed yesterday.

Adiponectin is secreted by fat cells and affects how the body processes sugars and lipids fatty substances in the blood.

It has been suggested that adiponectin protects against "metabolic syndrome", which affects up to a quarter of adults, and combats obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Scientists believe the protein's presence in human milk might influence the metabolic programming of breast-fed babies, helping them to grow up slimmer.

However, the jury is still out on whether breast feeding reduces obesity risk. A number of studies have supported this view, but it has been contradicted by others.

The new study was carried out by American researchers who analysed samples of breast milk collected from anonymous donor mothers. They found high levels of adiponectin higher than concentrations of many other human milk proteins.

Lead author Dr Lisa Martin, from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre in Ohio, said: "This study is an important first step in developing molecular research focused on understanding the relationship between human milk constituents and later metabolism.

"Exposures early in life, during the period of extreme growth and development, may have an impact on adult disease."

The scientists also confirmed the presence of leptin, another protein linked to obesity, in breast milk. Leptin is also produced by fat cells and helps create the sensation of feeling "full" after a meal.

Much greater levels of adiponectin than leptin were found in the milk samples. Whether this is significant remains to be investigated.