Childhood trauma linked to breast milk changes
Childhood trauma in mothers may affect their breast milk and infants' temperament.
Why it matters
- Shows how early life stress can be passed down to the next generation.
By the numbers
- 103 mother-child pairs studied.
- Mothers with high childhood adversity had higher levels of specific microRNAs and lower levels of medium-chain fatty acids in their breast milk.
The big picture
- This study highlights the long-term effects of childhood trauma and how it can influence the next generation through biological pathways.
What they're saying
- Some commenters find the study interesting but note that not all effects may be negative.
- Others question the implications for cow's milk and formula.
Caveats
- The study is correlational and doesn't prove causation.
- The sample is from a specific population (urban Poland).
What’s next
- Researchers plan to follow up with animal studies and continue tracking the children as they grow.