In
developed countries obesity is becoming the number
one health concern. Obesity starts young in life but
scientists are now developing an infant milk formula
that is designed to prevent obesity in later life.
At the moment this research is in its infancy, but
could milk formula really save your child from obesity
in later life? And, more importantly, is it safe?
Everyone
in the medical and scientific establishment agrees
that breastfeeding is best for babies. Unlike, infant
formula, breast milk is organic and contains many
hormones, nutrients and antibodies that are beneficial
to a developing baby. Studies have also suggested
that babies who are exclusively breastfed are far
less likely to be obese in later life.
But
why do babies who are breastfed less likely to become
fat in later life? Professor Mike Cawthorne of Buckingham
University believes he knows the answer. Breastmilk
contains a hormone called leptin whereas baby formula
does not. He has carried out extensive studies on
rats and his research shows that feeding leptin to
baby rats stops them from becoming overweight as adults.
He
states that: 'The supplemented milks are simply adding
back something that was originally present - breast
milk contains leptin and formula feeds don¡¯t.
'You
would only take this for a short time, very early
in life. We know that breastfed offspring have less
of a tendency towards obesity in adult life.'
He
goes on to say, 'I'm not in the least suggesting that
it will cure world-wide obesity, but it's something
that could make a difference.'
So,
is adding leptin to baby formula the answer? Could
infant formula fortified with leptin be as common
as say, infant formula fortified with DHA and ARA,
after all these are also found in breast milk?
Many
scientists, health professionals and organisations
are a little sceptical about whether leptin-enhanced
infant formula would stop adult obesity and they are
also concerned about the potential health risks.
They
point out that the only way of proving this theory
would be to carry out extensive field trials. Dr Nick
Finer of the Wellcome Clinical Research Facility states
that: 'The concept that adding something to a food
that could permanently alter brain development is
exciting but at the same time so scary'. He asks the
question, 'Would the first trials be on newly-born
children?'
Others
also argue that leptin does not necessarily prevent
obesity in later life; environmental factors such
as food education by one's parent have a more significant
role in preventing obesity. Dr Ian Campbell, medical
director of Weight Concern states: 'To date, leptin
has proved to be a great disappointment. Most of us
have plenty and true deficiencies are rare. In fact,
obese people tend to have it in higher-than-normal
levels.'
Leptin
being added to infant formula during its manufacture
is a long way off and may never actually happen. Many
seek quick fix solutions rather than take ownership
of a problem. The chances are that if parents raise
their children to appreciate food and to have a healthy
respect for it and their bodies, they won't suffer
from obesity, and all the problems it brings, in later
life.
