Breastfeeding enhances intestinal gluconeogenesis in infants

Objectives Breastfeeding confers metabolic benefits to the infants, including reducing risks for metabolic syndromes such as obesity and diabetes later in life, but the underlying mechanisms is not yet fully understood. Hence, we aim to investigate the impacts of breastfeeding on the metabolic organs of infants. Methods Previous literatures directly studying the influences of breastfeeding on offspring’s metabolic organs were comprehensively reviewed. A microarray dataset of intestinal gene expression comparing infants fed on breastmilk versus formula milk was reanalyzed. Results Reanalysis of microarray data showed that breastfeeding significantly enhanced gluconeogenesis in infants’ intestine. This resembled observations in other mammalian species where breastfeeding also promoted gluconeogenesis. Conclusions Breastfeeding enhances intestinal gluconeogenesis in infants, which may underlie its metabolic advantages through finetuning the metabolic homeostasis. Such effect seems to be conserved across species, hinting its biological significance.