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Long-term relation between breastfeeding and development of atopy and asthma in children and young adults: a

Malcolm R Sears1, Justina M Greene, Andrew R Willan

  • 1Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Ontario, Hamilton, Canada. searsm@mcmaster.ca

Lancet (London, England)
|October 2, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Breastfeeding does not protect against childhood atopy and asthma; it may increase the risk. This study followed a New Zealand birth cohort to assess long-term outcomes related to breastfeeding.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Breastfeeding is commonly recommended to prevent atopy and asthma in children.
  • Existing evidence on the protective effects of breastfeeding against these conditions is conflicting.
  • This study investigates the long-term association between breastfeeding and atopy/asthma in a New Zealand birth cohort.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the long-term impact of breastfeeding on the development of atopy and asthma.
  • To clarify the conflicting evidence regarding breastfeeding's role in preventing allergic and respiratory diseases.
  • To analyze the association in a well-defined birth cohort with extended follow-up.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 1037 children born in Dunedin, New Zealand (1972-1973) was followed from infancy to age 26 years.
  • Data collected included respiratory questionnaires, pulmonary function tests, bronchial challenges, and allergy skin tests.
  • Breastfeeding history was recorded in early childhood, and outcomes were assessed longitudinally.

Main Results:

  • Children breastfed for 4 weeks or longer (49%) showed significantly higher rates of atopy to common allergens (cats, dust mites, grass pollen) from age 13 to 21 years compared to non-breastfed children.
  • Breastfed children reported higher rates of current asthma at each assessment from age 9 to 26 years.
  • Multifactor analysis, controlling for confounding factors, indicated increased odds of atopy and current asthma associated with breastfeeding.

Conclusions:

  • Breastfeeding does not appear to protect children from developing atopy and asthma.
  • The findings suggest that breastfeeding may potentially increase the risk of these conditions.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms behind this observed association.
Abstract

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