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Can breast-feeding protect against schizophrenia? Case-control Study
M Amore1, C Balista, R G McCreadie
1Institute of Psychiatry, University of Parma, Italy.
Biology of the Neonate
|February 11, 2003
Summary
Breast-feeding is not less common in adults who develop schizophrenia. However, longer breast-feeding duration may postpone the onset of schizophrenia symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Human milk contains essential long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) crucial for central nervous system development.
- Schizophrenia is increasingly understood as a neurodevelopmental disorder.
- This study investigates a potential link between early nutrition and schizophrenia development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare breast-feeding incidence and duration in schizophrenia patients, their siblings, and controls.
- To explore the relationship between breast-feeding duration and age of schizophrenia onset.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 113 schizophrenia patients, 140 siblings, and 113 controls.
- Breast-feeding histories were collected via maternal interviews.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in breast-feeding incidence was observed across the groups.
- A positive correlation was found between breast-feeding duration and age at schizophrenia onset (r = +0.25, p < 0.02).
Conclusions:
- Breast-feeding is as common in individuals who develop schizophrenia as in controls.
- Extended breast-feeding may be associated with a delayed onset of schizophrenia.