Exclusive breastfeeding 'linked to long-term DNA changes' in babies

Calling all new parents: groundbreaking new research suggests that babies who are exclusive breastfeeding for at least three months could carry different markers in their blood's DNA. This comes from the largest study of its kind, involving thousands of children globally.

What the research found

Researchers analysed blood samples from children, focusing on 'epigenetic marks' across their DNA. These are chemical changes that affect how genes work.

Specifically, they looked at DNA methylation. This chemical process can be found in blood samples.

The study found higher DNA methylation marks on genes. These were linked to immunity and development. This was seen in children exclusively breastfed for at least three months, compared to those not breastfed.

Dr Doretta Caramaschi from the University of Exeter explained: "Our findings show that babies who are exclusively breastfed carry epigenetic changes associated with that experience."

She added: "The genes that are affected by these markers are involved in developmental and immunity processes, but we can’t say from our study whether this affects those highly complex processes directly."

A global effort to understand your baby's health

This massive international study brought together 11 studies from across the globe. Countries included Spain, the Netherlands, Finland, France, Greece, Lithuania, Germany, South Africa, and the US.

In the UK, the Bristol-based Children of the 90s study, Born in Bradford, and the Isle of Wight Birth Cohort Study all contributed.

Dr Mariona Bustamante from ISGlobal warned: "Our results are new and interesting, but we do need to interpret them with some caution."

She also said: "Our study is designed to be collaborative and international, however, we need to study more diverse groups to fully understand this biology."

How they did it

Researchers looked at epigenetic data from a huge 3,421 children. Information on breastfeeding was collected from birth via questionnaires.

DNA methylation marks were measured from blood samples taken when the children were aged 5 to 12 years old. These were compared to umbilical cord samples.

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OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION: This report is based on official data from University Newsroom. Document: Exclusive breastfeeding linked to long-term changes in marks on DNA, found in blood Source Link: [Read the official report from University Newsroom](https://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2026/april/exclusive-breastfeeding-linked-to-long-term-changes-in-marks-on-dna-found-in-bl.html)