The researchers, from the University of Copenhagen, found that children often inherit their mothers' food preferences. They said these links might be formed early, even before babies start eating solid foods. Babies who eat a variety of healthy foods are more adventures to try new food when they start eating solids, the scientists say.
The researchers studied 18 lactating mothers. The moms swallowed capsules representing different flavors commonly found in foods - mint, banana, caraway seed and licorice.
Researchers later tested the women's breast milk to see if they could detect the corresponding chemical compounds. The banana flavor peaked within the first hour after it had been eaten, while the licorice flavor peaked strongly in breast milk after two hours.
They found mint was the most stable and detectable in breast milk between two and eight hours after consumption but all flavors vanished after eight hours.
Researchers say their results indicate the variety of flavors in breast milk could make the baby more accepting of new flavors.
Findings suggest breastfeeding moms should include a variety of foods in their diet to enable their babies to develop a taste for a variety of foods. Researchers concluded the mother's diet should Include high-quality fats, calcium and other minerals.
The findings appear in New Scientist.
