Study Links Mother's Milk Fatty Acids to Brain Development in Mammal Offspring

Researchers from Russia, in collaboration with scientists from Canada, Israel, and the United Kingdom, have identified a close relationship between the fatty acid profiles in mother's milk and those in the brains of young mammals.

The press office of Skoltech University reported that the scientists consider these findings as evidence that the milk composition of each species has evolved to meet the developmental needs of its offspring's brains.

The research team reached these conclusions after analyzing 837 milk samples and 194 brain samples from humans, chimpanzees, monkeys, pigs, goats, cows, and yaks. They identified 81 types of fatty acids in the milk and 33 types in the brain tissue.

Results showed that the fatty acid composition and proportions in milk closely match those in the brains of individuals within the same species, while notable differences appeared between different species. This suggests that the milk of each species contains a blend of components optimized for the neurological development of its young.

The study also revealed a particularly strong correlation between the milk composition and the frontal cortex of the brains in humans, chimpanzees, and macaque monkeys. This brain region is responsible for complex cognitive functions such as planning, decision-making, and social behavior. Additionally, a clear association was found between very long-chain fatty acids in milk and those in the brain, with this link being most pronounced in humans.

According to the researchers from Skoltech University, these findings indicate that milk composition has evolved to support the growth of the brain regions with the highest energy consumption and behavioral significance.