Breast and Formula Milk and Early Puberty Onset

Abstract

Nutrients have an enormous impact on many hormonal systems and aspects of health, and nutrition status is a crucial regulator of growth and pubertal development in children and adolescents. In this narrative review, we explore the connection between these feeding methods and the timing of puberty to provide a clearer understanding of how infant nutrition might contribute to the early development of puberty. Puberty is a key stage in the transition from childhood to adulthood and the timing of puberty represents a significant biological milestone of growth. Breast milk seems to have a pivotal role in puberty onset, mainly due to its dynamism, which shape indirectly the gut microbiota in early life, besides direct exposure of the baby to the milk microbiota through gut–breast axis. Concerning breast and formula milk and their effects on the onset of puberty, a protective role of the former occurs. As for the potential harmful effects of soy-based formulas and the isoflavones that they contain, the studies reported demonstrate conflicting opinions, underlining the need for further research on this topic. A healthy and well-nourished diet from the earliest stages of life has significant preventive potential for overall well-being, reducing the risk of many health problems later in life.

Exploring the Mechanistic Interplay between Gut Microbiota and Precocious Puberty: A Narrative Review

“…Furthermore, early nutrition is a key factor in puberty development. Breast milk appears to play a critical role in puberty development, as it is a unique source of beneficial bacteria and compounds that shape the infant’s microbiota and influence the development of various physiological functions, such as the gastrointestinal, immune, and nervous systems [ 121 ]. Breastfeeding directly exposes infants to maternal gut microbiota through the gut–breast axis and indirectly shapes the infant’s gut microbiota during early life [ 121 ], further affecting the process of puberty development.…”

“…Breast milk appears to play a critical role in puberty development, as it is a unique source of beneficial bacteria and compounds that shape the infant’s microbiota and influence the development of various physiological functions, such as the gastrointestinal, immune, and nervous systems [ 121 ]. Breastfeeding directly exposes infants to maternal gut microbiota through the gut–breast axis and indirectly shapes the infant’s gut microbiota during early life [ 121 ], further affecting the process of puberty development. Hvidt et al, based on a cohort study, found that a lack of breastfeeding was associated with accelerated puberty development in boys, while there was no significant correlation with girls’ puberty development [ 122 ].…”