(07-02-11) Exclusive breastfeeding protects against infections

by Dr. Randall Neustaedter, OMD, citizen journalist


(NaturalNews) Once more we discover the incredible value of breastfeeding for
the health of infants. In a study published in the Archives of Disease of
Childhood, researchers found that exclusive breastfeeding for six months
resulted in less infections of many types compared to babies who did not
breastfeed or babies who were partially breastfed. It also showed that the
longer babies breastfed the more protection they had from infections
(Ladomenoul, 2010).

Babies who were exclusively breastfed had less acute respiratory infections,
less ear infections, less thrush, fewer episodes of digestive infections, and
fewer hospitalizations. This study included 926 infants over the course of 12
months. An interesting finding was that the protective effect of exclusive
breastfeeding for six months resulted in less infections during the entire 12
months. Previous studies have shown less infections in breastfed babies; but
many of these studies occurred in populations with poor medical care, and
babies who were prone to more infections because of low standards of living.
This study was conducted in a population of infants with high health standards
and adequate medical care.

This study was also different than others because it examined the effect of
exclusive breastfeeding compared to partial breastfeeding with additional
formula. Partial breastfeeding had no substantial protective effect.
Apparently, formula feeding decreases immunity. The authors suggest that their
findings suggest an immunomodulatory effect of breastfeeding "hampered by the
introduction of formula feeding."

The fact that exclusive breastfeeding protects against serious infections and
hospitalizations is very significant. This study echoes the findings of
previous studies that showed the protective effect of breastfeeding on
meningitis in infants. Studies in the past have shown that infants who
breastfeed longer than three months have a decreased incidence of meningitis
compared to infants who breastfeed for less time. The longer that infants
breastfeed, the lower their risk of meningitis. In fact their risk of
meningitis decreases for each additional week of breastfeeding (Silfverdal,
1997). And this protective effect can persist for many years. Infants who
breastfeed have a decreased risk of meningitis even up to 10 years later
(Silfverdal, 1999).

The results of this study should further encourage mothers to avoid formula
feeding and exclusively breastfeed their babies for as long as possible. Breast
milk is the ideal food for babies that provides for a robust immune system and
protects babies from infections even long after weaning.

References

Ladomenou F, et al. Protective effect of exclusive breastfeeding against
infections during infancy: a prospective study. Arch Dis Child. 2010 Dec;95(12):
1004-8. Epub 2010 Sep 27.

Silfverdal SA, et al. Protective effect of breastfeeding on invasive
Haemophilus influenza infection: a case-control study in Swedish preschool
children. International Journal of Epidemiology. 1997; 26(2):443-60.

Silfverdal SA, et al. Protective effect of breast-feeding: an ecologic study
of Haemophilus influenza meningitis and breastfeeding in a Swedish population.
International Journal of Epidemiology 1999; 28(1):152-6.

News

---

In evidenza

"L'informazione presente nel sito serve a migliorare, e non a sostituire, il rapporto medico-paziente."

Per coloro che hanno problemi di salute si consiglia di consultare sempre il proprio medico curante.