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Breastfeeding does not protect children against developing asthma or allergies
September 12, 2007Effect of prolonged and exclusive breastfeeding on risk of allergy and asthma: cluster randomized trial
Breastfeeding exclusively or for a prolonged period does not protect children against developing asthma and allergies, according to the results of a large randomised trial published on bmj.com today.
Whether breastfeeding protects against the development of allergies and asthma has been the subject of numerous studies and a topic of hot debate for the past 70 years. Yet research findings have been conflicting and all the evidence to date has been based on observational studies.
In this study researchers recruited 17,046 breastfeeding women attending 31 Belarussian maternity hospitals and one polyclinic affiliated with each maternity hospital during the late 1990s. They were split into two groups. In the experimental group breastfeeding was promoted and supported in the hospitals and polyclinics the women and children attended. In the control group the hospitals and clinics continued with their normal practices and policies. Within the experimental group there was a large increase in the number of women breastfeeding exclusively at three months. The women in this group also breastfed for longer.
13,889 children were followed up when they reached 6.5 years of age and tested to see if they showed any symptoms of asthma or allergies. This research was carried out between December 2002 and April 2005. A questionnaire was used to diagnose asthma, hay fever, and eczema. In addition skin prick tests were used to diagnose sensitivity to house dust mites, cats, birch pollen, mold, and mixed northern grasses.
The results indicate that increased breastfeeding did not reduce the risk of asthma, hayfever or eczema at 6.5 years of age despite large increases in the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding. It also did not succeed in reducing the prevalence of positive skin prick tests.
The researchers conclude that public health measures to increase breastfeeding seem unlikely to have a major impact on reducing the level of hereditary conditions such as asthma or eczema within the population.
They say: "our results underline the importance of seeking other explanations for the recent epidemic of allergy and asthma."
BMJ-British Medical Journal
In this study researchers recruited 17,046 breastfeeding women attending 31 Belarussian maternity hospitals and one polyclinic affiliated with each maternity hospital during the late 1990s. They were split into two groups. In the experimental group breastfeeding was promoted and supported in the hospitals and polyclinics the women and children attended. In the control group the hospitals and clinics continued with their normal practices and policies. Within the experimental group there was a large increase in the number of women breastfeeding exclusively at three months. The women in this group also breastfed for longer.
13,889 children were followed up when they reached 6.5 years of age and tested to see if they showed any symptoms of asthma or allergies. This research was carried out between December 2002 and April 2005. A questionnaire was used to diagnose asthma, hay fever, and eczema. In addition skin prick tests were used to diagnose sensitivity to house dust mites, cats, birch pollen, mold, and mixed northern grasses.
The results indicate that increased breastfeeding did not reduce the risk of asthma, hayfever or eczema at 6.5 years of age despite large increases in the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding. It also did not succeed in reducing the prevalence of positive skin prick tests.
The researchers conclude that public health measures to increase breastfeeding seem unlikely to have a major impact on reducing the level of hereditary conditions such as asthma or eczema within the population.
They say: "our results underline the importance of seeking other explanations for the recent epidemic of allergy and asthma."
BMJ-British Medical Journal
Breastfeeding Current Events and Breastfeeding News RSSAir pollution increases infants' risk of bronchiolitis
Infants who are exposed to higher levels of air pollution are at increased risk for bronchiolitis, according to a new study.
American Dietetic Association Releases Updated Position Paper Promoting and Supporting Breastfeeding
The American Dietetic Association has released an updated position paper on breastfeeding that details health benefits for both infants and mothers and encourages promotion of breastfeeding whenever possible.
Changes in brain chemicals mark shifts in infant learning
When do you first leave the nest? Early in development infants of many species experience important transitions-such as learning when to leave the protective presence of their mother to start exploring the wider world.
Maternal HIV-1 treatment protects against transmission to newborns
Mothers receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) to treat HIV-1 infection are less likely than untreated mothers to transmit the virus to their newborns through breastfeeding.
Breast milk should be drunk at the same time of day that it is expressed
The levels of the components in breast milk change every 24 hours in response to the needs of the baby. A new study published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience shows, for example, how this milk could help newborn babies to sleep.
Supplementing babies' formula with DHA boosts cognitive development
Research has shown that children who were breast fed as infants have superior cognitive skills compared to those fed infant formula, and it's thought that this is due to an essential fatty acid in breast milk called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Health experts offer action steps local governments can use to cut childhood obesity rates
Zoning restrictions on fast-food restaurants near schools and playgrounds, community policing to improve safety around public recreational sites, requirements that publicly run after-school programs limit video game and TV time, and taxes on high-calorie, low-nutrient foods and drinks are some of the strategies local government officials can use to tackle the childhood obesity epidemic in their communities.
Mother's immune system may block fetal treatments for blood diseases
Pediatric researchers have resolved an apparent contradiction in the field of prenatal cell transplantation- a medical approach that holds future promise in correcting sickle cell disease and other serious congenital blood disorders.
Essential nutrient found in eggs may help lower risk of neural tube defects
Research published online in the journal Epidemiology found that higher levels of total blood choline are associated with a 2.5-fold reduction in risk for neural tube birth defects (NTDs).
New research reveals mothers need infant feeding information
A systematic literature review of mothers' experiences with bottle-feeding found that while mothers recognize the benefits of breastfeeding, those who bottle-feed with infant formula do not receive adequate information and support from their healthcare providers and thus, ultimately put their baby's health at risk.
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