Japan: A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that women with a history of gestational diabetes who fed at least 80% breast milk to their newborns had more favorable lipid profiles and cardiometabolic markers in the first three months after delivery. 

The findings come from a prospective cohort study led by Harumi Kanzawa, Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Nagasaki, Japan, and colleagues. The researchers examined whether the intensity of breastfeeding was associated with lipid metabolism during the early postpartum period, when women with previous gestational diabetes remain at increased risk of cardiometabolic abnormalities.
The study included 470 Japanese women with prior gestational diabetes who underwent metabolic assessments between 6 and 9 weeks after delivery at a tertiary medical center. Participants were evaluated between December 2014 and November 2020, with statistical analyses conducted from April 2024 through June 2026.
Breastfeeding intensity was assessed using a validated six-level scale. Women who provided at least 80% of their infant’s milk as breast milk were classified as practicing high-intensity breastfeeding (HIB). Fasting lipid concentrations were assessed, and dyslipidemia was defined according to Japan Atherosclerosis Society criteria. The researchers also accounted for clinical characteristics and insulin sensitivity, measured using the Matsuda index.
Among the participants, 369 women (79%) practiced HIB. The analysis showed notable differences in lipid profiles between women practicing HIB and those who did not.
Key findings:
  • Mean triglyceride levels were lower among women practicing HIB than among those who did not (67.2 vs 116.1 mg/dL).
  • Mean HDL cholesterol levels were higher with HIB (73.9 vs 63.0 mg/dL).
  • The LDL-C to HDL-C ratio was lower among women practicing HIB (1.8 vs 2.3).
  • HIB was associated with substantially lower odds of hypertriglyceridemia (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.25).
  • Women practicing HIB also had lower odds of an elevated LDL-C to HDL-C ratio (AOR, 0.27).
  • The associations remained statistically significant even after accounting for insulin sensitivity.
The researchers noted limitations, including self-reported breastfeeding data, lack of pregnancy lipid measurements and information on previous pregnancies and neonatal intensive care admissions. As an observational, single-center study, causality cannot be established, residual confounding is possible, and the findings may not be generalizable to other populations. The durability of the observed lipid associations also remains unknown.
Overall, the study found that higher-intensity breastfeeding was associated with a more favorable lipid profile shortly after delivery among women with previous gestational diabetes, particularly reflected by the LDL-C to HDL-C ratio. The authors noted that structured lactation support may have implications for postpartum cardiometabolic care, while further research is needed to determine whether these associations persist and translate into long-term cardiovascular benefits.
Reference:
Kanzawa H, Yasuhi I, Yamashita H, Yatsuhashi H. Breastfeeding Intensity and Early Postpartum Lipid Profiles Among Women With Prior Gestational Diabetes. JAMA Netw Open. 2026;9(8):e2631833. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.31833
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Article Source : JAMA Network Open

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Medha Baranwal

Medha Baranwal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Delhi and a Master’s degree in Biotechnology from Amity University. Since May 2018, she has been contributing to Medical Dialogues, writing and editing medical news articles that translate complex research into clear, accessible information for healthcare professionals.

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