Breastfeeding Leaves Subtle Epigenetic Marks on Infants’ DNA
June 18, 2026 | Source: Technology Networks | by Katie Brighton
Early-life nutrition is increasingly recognized as a critical determinant of short- and long-term health, with breastfeeding often linked to improved developmental and disease outcomes.
However, the biological mechanisms underpinning these associations remain only partially understood. Epigenetics—the molecular modifications that regulate gene activity without altering DNA sequence—has emerged as a promising explanatory mechanism.
Dr. Doretta Caramaschi, lecturer at the University of Exeter and co-lead author of a recent large-scale epigenetic study, is working to understand the influence of breastfeeding on epigenetic modifications. Drawing on data from thousands of individuals across international cohorts, her recent research investigated how breastfeeding may shape infant biology at the molecular level.
Technology Networks spoke with Caramaschi to discuss the rationale behind studying epigenetics, the challenges of detecting subtle biological signals, and the future directions needed to translate these findings into meaningful health insights.