Maternal Obesity Increases Breast Milk Bile Acid Levels
Authors' conclusion
Our findings identify maternal obesity as a significant modifier of BM BA composition, with potential implications for neonatal digestion, maturation, and health. Further research is warranted to elucidate the impact of these alterations on infant health and development.
Study context
- Population
- Lactating mothers with or without obesity, 2 independent clinical cohorts2 cohorts
- Exposure
- Breastfeeding women with obesity vs normal weight
- Outcome
- BA profiles in breast milk and plasma, quantified by LC-MS/MS
Methodological details2 independent clinical cohorts
- 2 independent clinical cohorts
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Bile acids (BAs) present in breast milk, mainly glyco- and tauro-conjugated CA and CDCA, at lower levels than in plasma under normal-weight conditions
- Maternal obesity led to a marked increase in total breast milk BA levels
- Plasma BA concentrations and composition unchanged with obesity
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Correlates of breast milk BA levels
- Breast milk BA levels positively correlated with maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, circulating leptin and insulin levels
Original publication
Maternal Obesity Increases Breast Milk Bile Acid Levels. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Published 8 October 2025. doi:10.
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