A recent study reveals that mothers with HIV produce breast milk deficient in the essential amino acid tryptophan, potentially leading to health issues in their infants.
- Research published on Oct. 28, 2025, in Nature Communications indicates that breast milk from women living with HIV has lower levels of the essential amino acid tryptophan.
- Infants born to HIV-positive mothers, even when uninfected, may face developmental delays and health complications linked to deficiencies in their mothers breast milk.
- The study highlights how tryptophan deficiency in breast milk could impact the immune system and metabolism of infants, raising concerns about long-term health outcomes.
Why It Matters
This research underscores the importance of nutritional support for infants born to HIV-positive mothers, as deficiencies in vital nutrients like tryptophan can hinder development and increase health risks.