Today, the focus has shifted to and, more notably, β-glucuronidase . Normally, conjugated bilirubin is excreted into the gut and eliminated in stool. However, β-glucuronidase—an enzyme present in high concentrations in some human milk—can deconjugate bilirubin in the infant’s gut, converting it back to its unconjugated (fat-soluble) form. This unconjugated bilirubin is then readily reabsorbed into the bloodstream via the enterohepatic circulation. High levels of β-glucuronidase in breast milk, combined with an immature neonatal gut flora, may create a cycle of reabsorption that prolongs jaundice. Genetic variations in the UGT1A1 gene (such as Gilbert’s syndrome) may also predispose certain breastfed infants to a more pronounced and prolonged BMJ.
Breast milk jaundice is a , not a disease. It is a sign that your baby is getting plenty of breast milk. With monitoring and support, you can continue to breastfeed confidently while the condition resolves naturally over time. breast milk jaundice
While the exact etiology remains under study, several theories explain why breast milk may lead to elevated bilirubin: Today, the focus has shifted to and, more
Doctors diagnose this by: