Breastfeeding mothers must rely on broccoli to pass essential nutrients to their children
- Researchers have discovered that a phytochemical can be transmitted through breast milk
Breastfeeding mothers should eat broccoli and cabbage to pass on essential nutrients to their children, a study suggests.
Researchers have discovered that a phytochemical found in cruciferous vegetables – including Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale and radishes – can be transferred through breast milk.
Their current study is the first to focus on the transfer of sulforaphane (SFN), a sulfur-based nutrient thought to protect against cancer and diabetes.
The team from Texas A&M University measured the levels of SFN in milk from nursing mothers who had eaten cruciferous vegetables in the previous 24 hours.
Author Dr Natalie Johnson said: ‘Phytochemicals are believed to protect against cardiovascular disease, cancer and loss of cognitive function.
Researchers have discovered that a phytochemical found in cruciferous vegetables – including Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale and radishes – can be transferred through breast milk. Pictured: file photo
Their current study is the first to focus on the transfer of sulforaphane (SFN), a sulfur-based nutrient thought to protect against cancer and diabetes. Pictured: file photo
‘We wanted to find out whether phytochemicals or their metabolites could be transferred into breast milk to provide protection.’
Analysis found that the nutrient was detectable in mother’s breast milk, suggesting that breastfeeding babies are exposed to it through diet.
Separate studies in mice found that SFN activated ‘protective’ genes in the liver and lungs of offspring.
The researchers wrote in the journal Toxicology and Applied Pharmacy: ‘A bioactive plant metabolite was detected in the breast milk of mothers who ate cruciferous vegetables.
‘Consuming cruciferous vegetables while breastfeeding may benefit infants.’
Previous research has also shown that caffeine and flavonoids can be passed through breast milk.