Impact of Chia Seeds on Human Breast Milk Composition and Offspring Metabolic Health

Childhood metabolic diseases are a growing global health concern. Poor diet and metabolic dysfunction in mothers can lead to changes in breast milk, such as increased fat and altered microbiota, which may contribute to the development of metabolic diseases in their children. This study aims to find simple dietary changes that mothers can make to improve their children's health and prevent metabolic diseases. One potential solution being investigated is chia seeds, which contain beneficial nutrients like fiber, polyphenols, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients have been shown to improve metabolic health in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. The long-term goal of this research is to identify easy-to-implement dietary interventions for mothers to optimize their children's development and prevent childhood metabolic diseases. In this study, obese mothers who are breastfeeding will receive chia seed supplements for six weeks. The effects of these supplements on the mothers' metabolic health, breast milk composition, and infant growth will be evaluated. Additionally, the study will investigate how chia seed polyphenols and bioactive peptides affect human enteroids, which are small intestine cells grown in a lab. The researchers will look at whether these compounds can reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and other factors that contribute to metabolic diseases. The study will also examine if chia seed bioactives work by activating extraoral bitter taste receptors. The successful completion of this project could lead to practical and effective maternal interventions that reduce the risk of childhood obesity and diabetes.