Breastfeeding for six months may boost beneficial gut bacteria, which are linked to lower blood pressure in childhood

Breastfeeding for six months may boost beneficial gut bacteria, which are linked to lower blood pressure in childhood

Nursing for at least six months can stimulate beneficial gut bacteria that are linked to better heart health years later.

An observational study supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that infants with more diverse bacteria in their gut had lower childhood blood pressure, and this protective association was stronger if they were breastfed for at least six months. The results published in theJournal of the American Heart Association.

For the research, investigators examined data from 526 children enrolled in a prospective study in Denmark. They looked for connections between gut bacteria that can be influenced by diet and support a variety of health functions and blood pressure in childhood. To assess this, they collected fecal samples to analyze bacteria in the infants' guts during the infant's first week, month and year of life. Three and six years later, they measured the children's blood pressure.

Researchers found that children with more diverse gut bacteria had lower blood pressure after one month six years later. They then examined the impact of breastfeeding, which in this study was measured for a period of at least six months. They found that children who were breastfed for at least six months had even greater blood pressure reductions from more diverse bacteria in their gut. Specifically, those with a greater diversity of gut bacteria during the first month of life had systolic blood pressure that was about 2 mm Hg lower six years later if they were breastfed for at least six months.

Researchers believe there may be several reasons for these associations. Certain gut bacteria have developed special biological machines that allow them to convert otherwise indigestible carbohydrates in breast milk into calories and substances that can be used by the body. SpecificBifidobacteriumspecies, includingB. Infantisare superstars when it comes to breaking down these carbohydrates and turning them into short-chain fatty acids that can influence blood pressure and support cardiovascular health.

In non-breastfed infants, bacteria that don't have breast milk carbohydrates to feed on can instead break down carbohydrates that line the intestines. This could lead to a condition called “leaky gut,” where bacteria and fat can enter the bloodstream. Leaky gut has been linked to inflammation and increased blood pressure in adults.

In addition, researchers found that some types of bacteria, including H. pylori, were present in some infants and these bacteria were associated with increased blood pressure years later. H. pylori, which can be passed from mother to child, can cause persistent levels of low-grade inflammation and affect “leaky gut.”

To make the study participants as comparable as possible, researchers took a mother's medical history, her diet during pregnancy, pregnancy complications, when and how a child was born, and how long they were breastfed.

About 4% to 7% of children worldwide have high blood pressure, which can begin when the fetus is developing in the womb. These rates have doubled since 2020, which is why researchers are studying factors that can offset these risks and improve cardiovascular health.

The study was supported by National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Grant K01HL141589.

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