Abstract
The association between breastfeeding and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is controversial. However, several recent studies have established a link between these two factors, necessitating a need to review this subject to raise public awareness. Current research indicates that breast milk contains a variety of bioactive substances including immunoglobulins, oligosaccharides, insulin, lactoferrin, lysozyme, cytokines, epidermal growth factors, leukocytes, nucleotides, beneficial bacteria and vitamins. Such substances strengthen the breastfeeding infant’s immune system, both directly, by increasing gut microbiota diversity and attacking harmful bacteria and proinflammatory molecules, and indirectly, by increasing thymus performance. Accordingly, a lack of or inadequate breastfeeding may predispose infants to several autoimmune disorders, including T1DM. Nursing mothers and caregivers are therefore advised to follow optimal breastfeeding practices prior to introducing complementary foods.
Publication details
- DOI
- 10.18295/squmj.2020.20.01.002
- Journal
- Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal, 20(1), e5-12
- Publisher
- Sultan Qaboos University
- Open access
- Gold open access
- License
- CC BY-ND 4.0
Cite this article
APA 7
Yahaya, T., & Shemishere, U. (2025). Association between Bioactive Molecules in Breast Milk and Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal, 20(1), e5-12. https://doi.org/10.18295/squmj.2020.20.01.002
MLA 9
Yahaya, Tajudeen, and Ufuoma Shemishere. "Association between Bioactive Molecules in Breast Milk and Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus." Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal, vol. 20, no. 1, 2025, pp. e5-12. https://doi.org/10.18295/squmj.2020.20.01.002.
Chicago (author–date)
Yahaya, Tajudeen, and Ufuoma Shemishere. 2025. "Association between Bioactive Molecules in Breast Milk and Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus." Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal 20 (1): e5-12. https://doi.org/10.18295/squmj.2020.20.01.002.
Harvard
Yahaya, T. and Shemishere, U. (2025) 'Association between Bioactive Molecules in Breast Milk and Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus', Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal, 20(1), pp. e5-12. doi:10.18295/squmj.2020.20.01.002.
Vancouver
Yahaya T, Shemishere U. Association between Bioactive Molecules in Breast Milk and Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal. 2025;20(1):e5-12. doi:10.18295/squmj.2020.20.01.002
IEEE
T. Yahaya, and U. Shemishere, "Association between Bioactive Molecules in Breast Milk and Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus," Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. e5-12, 2025, doi: 10.18295/squmj.2020.20.01.002.