A diet-derived nutrient in breast milk may shape immune development (opens in new tab)

Trans-vaccenic acid (TVA), the most abundant trans fatty acid found in human breast milk, helps boost immune system development and has long-lasting effects on immune system health in mice, according to a new study by researchers from the University of Chicago. The study, published in Science, showed that nursing female mice fed a diet enriched with TVA passed the nutrient to their pups, leading to increased production of immune cells during early development.