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Breastfeeding for 6 months or longer, especially exclusive breastfeeding, may help reduce the risk of NAFLD in women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus.
A recent study suggests that breastfeeding, especially when extended and exclusive, is a promising strategy for boosting liver health in women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), offering significant long-term benefits for metabolic health. The prospective cohort study, which followed 130 women one year postpartum, sought to investigate the link between breastfeeding and hepatic steatosis.
Investigators gathered information on breastfeeding practices and measured liver fat with the aid of controlled attenuation parameters (CAPs) through transient elastography. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was identified with a CAP value of ≥ 302 dB/m. Volunteers were segregated into 3 groups on the basis of breastfeeding duration and intensity:
The results were striking. Group 3, which had the longest and most exclusive breastfeeding duration, demonstrated the lowest liver fat levels. The prevalence of NAFLD in Group 3 was markedly lower when compared to Groups 1 and 2. (Table 1).
What makes these findings even more remarkable is the statistical significance—multivariate analysis revealed that breastfeeding for 6 months or more, particularly exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, minimized the risk of NAFLD (adjusted odds ratio of 0.34).
This study sheds light on the often-overlooked postpartum period, demonstrating that breastfeeding not only nourishes infants but may also offer lasting health benefits for mothers, making it a key factor in tackling the long-term effects of GDM. For those navigating the challenges of postpartum recovery, this research offers a compelling reason to consider extending breastfeeding as a strategy to safeguard liver health.
International Breastfeeding Journal
Relationship between breastfeeding and hepatic steatosis in women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus
Supatsri Sethasine et al.
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