Researchers at Skoltech, in collaboration with colleagues from Canada, Israel, and the United Kingdom, have made a significant discovery: the fatty acid composition of breast milk corresponds to the composition of similar compounds in the brains of mammalian offspring. The press service of the educational institution shared the implications of this finding with “Gazeta.Ru.”
The scientists analyzed 837 milk samples and 194 brain samples from humans, chimpanzees, macaques, pigs, goats, cows, and yaks. They identified 81 types of fatty acids in milk and 33 in the brain.
It was revealed that the types and proportions of fatty acids in milk are linked to their composition in the brains of individuals of the same species. However, considerable differences were observed between various animal species. This suggests that the milk of each species contains a set of substances optimally adapted for the neural system development of its specific offspring.
The strongest correlation was found between milk composition and the characteristics of the prefrontal cortex in humans, chimpanzees, and macaques. This brain region is responsible for complex cognitive functions, including planning, decision-making, and social behavior. The researchers also noted a high degree of correspondence between the content of very long-chain fatty acids in milk and brain, with this connection being most pronounced in humans.
The authors emphasize that these findings support the theory that, over the course of evolution, milk composition has been refined to facilitate the development of the most resource-intensive and behaviorally critical brain regions.
The study’s outcomes are crucial for improving the composition of infant formula. Currently, these formulas more closely resemble cow’s or goat’s milk, but they need to be adapted to match human milk. This is particularly important given that several recent studies indicate a link between alterations in the fatty acid composition of neuronal membranes and an increased risk of depression in adults.
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