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Breast-feeding protects against celiac disease
Anneli Ivarsson1, Olle Hernell, Hans Stenlund
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Pediatrics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden. anneli.ivarsson@epiph.umu.se
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|April 27, 2002
Summary
Introducing gluten while breastfeeding reduces celiac disease risk in children. Gradual introduction and continued breastfeeding significantly lower the chances of developing this gluten-sensitive enteropathy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Celiac disease is an immune-mediated enteropathy triggered by gluten exposure.
- It is a permanent condition requiring lifelong gluten avoidance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of breastfeeding and gluten introduction timing on childhood celiac disease risk.
- To analyze dietary patterns influencing celiac disease development.
Main Methods:
- Population-based incident case-referent study of Swedish children.
- Inclusion of 627 celiac disease cases and 1254 referents.
- Questionnaire-based assessment of infant feeding practices and gluten introduction, analyzed via conditional logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Breastfeeding at gluten introduction reduced celiac disease risk (OR: 0.59).
- Continued breastfeeding post-gluten introduction showed a more pronounced risk reduction (OR: 0.36).
- Large gluten quantities increased risk (OR: 1.5); this was less significant in older children.
Conclusions:
- Gradual gluten introduction while breastfeeding lowers early childhood celiac disease risk.
- This protective effect likely extends into later childhood.
- Breastfeeding is a key factor in mitigating celiac disease risk.