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Breastfeeding history and childhood allergic status in a prospective birth cohort

Ganesa Wegienka1, Dennis R Ownby, Suzanne Havstad

  • 1Department of Biostatistics and Research Epidemiology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan 48202, USA. gwegien1@hfhs.org

Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology : Official Publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
|August 9, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Exclusive breastfeeding may increase the risk of childhood allergies, particularly in certain conditions. Further research is needed to understand this complex relationship in infant nutrition.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
  • Infant Nutrition and Health
  • Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases

Background:

  • Breastfeeding is recognized for optimal infant nutrition.
  • The link between breastfeeding and allergy development is complex and requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between breastfeeding practices and the development of skin sensitization in early childhood.
  • To analyze the relationship between exclusive breastfeeding, mixed feeding, and formula feeding and allergic sensitization.

Main Methods:

  • A birth cohort of 405 children was studied.
  • Maternal reports were used to classify infant feeding (breast milk only, formula only, or both).
  • Allergic sensitization was assessed via skin prick testing for inhalant allergens at ages 6-7 years.

Main Results:

  • No association was found between the duration of breastfeeding and allergic sensitization.
  • Children exclusively breastfed showed a 50% higher likelihood of allergic sensitization compared to those exclusively formula-fed (RR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.1).
  • This increased risk was more pronounced in children with a maternal history of allergy, multiple pets in the household, or an older sibling.

Conclusions:

  • Exclusive breastfeeding, without formula supplementation, might be linked to a higher risk of childhood allergies.
  • Factors such as birth order, pet exposure, and maternal allergy history may influence this association.
Abstract

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