Breastfed Children Have Better Appetite Control as Adults

The city of Hertfordshire, UK kept records on all infants born between 1931 – 1939 showing whether they were breastfed, breast and bottle fed, or bottle fed. Researchers collected current dietary intake data on 3,217 of these men and women, aged 59-73. The data showed that those who were breastfed infants were more likely to have better control over adult food intake, demonstrating a more moderate or prudent dietary pattern.

When a baby is in the womb the intake of nutrition via the umbilical cord is constant. When a baby is born the appetite regulation center (hypothalamus) is like a blank chalkboard awaiting instructions. High concentrations of leptin contained in first milk colostrum actually help form appetite circuitry in the newly born child, writing important instructions on the blank chalkboard. It is likely that many bioactive components in breast milk help contribute to the proper establishment of brain signaling in relation to food intake. This is a critically important duty during the time of rapid brain development when many circuits are in a highly formative stage.

If an infant does not receive this helpful brain programming then other factors will influence the formation of eating circuits. Improper excessive calorie intake in the first few weeks and months of life could easily program the brain for excess food desire and consequent consumption later in life.

There is nothing like helping your child get started on the right foot. Breast-feeding is one of Mother Nature's strategies for future health. And if you were not breastfed, the data implies that you will need a higher level of will power to stay on track.