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Effect of breast feeding in infancy on blood pressure in later life: systematic review and meta-analysis

Christopher G Owen1, Peter H Whincup, Julie A Gilg

  • 1Department of Community Health Sciences, St George's Hospital Medical School, London SW17 ORE. c.owen@sghms.ac.uk

BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.)
|November 25, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Breastfeeding in infancy may have a small effect on systolic blood pressure, but this association is likely exaggerated by publication bias in smaller studies. Larger studies indicate a modest, clinically insignificant impact on blood pressure.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Public Health Nutrition

Background:

  • Infant feeding practices, specifically breastfeeding versus formula feeding, are hypothesized to influence long-term cardiovascular health.
  • Previous studies have suggested a link between breastfeeding and lower blood pressure in later life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and synthesize evidence on the association between breastfeeding in infancy and mean blood pressure at different ages.
  • To determine if breastfeeding is associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to formula feeding.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review was conducted using data from Embase, Medline, and Web of Science databases.
  • Studies examining the effects of infant feeding on blood pressure were selected.
  • Pooled mean differences in blood pressure were calculated using random effects models, with assessment for publication bias.

Main Results:

  • The pooled mean difference in systolic blood pressure was -1.10 mm Hg, but with significant heterogeneity. The effect size varied considerably with study size, being largest in smaller studies.
  • Publication bias was detected, suggesting smaller studies with positive findings may be overrepresented.
  • Diastolic blood pressure showed no significant relationship with infant feeding type.

Conclusions:

  • Claims that breastfeeding significantly reduces systolic blood pressure in later life may be exaggerated due to selective publication of small, positive studies.
  • The results from larger studies indicate that infant feeding has a modest effect on blood pressure, with limited clinical or public health significance.
Abstract

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