Since bifidobacteria are prevalent in the guts of breast-fed babies, the findings also explain why breast-fed babies are at lower risk for later obesity. The study was published in the March issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Previous research has shown that breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of excess weight or obesity in childhood. Breastfed babies are 22 percent less likely to be overweight in future as compared to their formula-fed counterparts.
The Finnish researchers selected 49 participants from the larger study, 25 of them were overweight or obese at age 7 years and 24 were normal weight at the same age.
After studying the fecal samples taken at 6 months and 12 months, the average bacterial counts of bifidobacteria were twice as high in those who were a healthy weight as in those who were on the heavier side. Those who stayed at a healthy weight also had lower fecal S. aureus levels at 6 months and 12 months than the overweight ones.
The researchers say that S. aureus causes a little inflammation in the intestines that can contribute to developing obesity later in life. The study however doesn't explain exactly why intestinal bacteria are linked with the development of obesity but it clearly states the benefits of breast-feeding.
"Breast-feeding provides not only the proper nutrition for your infant, but it provides benefits that may impact long-term health and weight issues as well," the researchers added.
Scientists are also hoping that if further study is conducted successfully in this field then it may be possible one day to manipulate the gut bacteria to help prevent or treat obesity.
