Cross-sectional study of allergic disorders associated with breastfeeding in Japan: the Ryukyus Child Health Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Immunology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The protective role of breastfeeding against childhood allergic disorders remains uncertain.
• Previous Japanese studies suggested positive associations between breastfeeding and asthma or atopic eczema.
• This study addresses the feeding pattern's impact on allergic disorder prevalence in Japanese schoolchildren.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between infant feeding patterns and the prevalence of allergic disorders in Japanese schoolchildren.
• To examine the relationship between breastfeeding duration and exclusivity and the occurrence of atopic eczema, asthma, and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
• To identify potential dose-response relationships between breastfeeding and allergic conditions.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 24,077 Japanese schoolchildren aged 6-15 years in Okinawa.
• Allergic disorders diagnosed using criteria from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood.
• Statistical analysis controlled for age, sex, siblings, household smoking, parental allergic history, and parental education.

Main Results:

• Breastfeeding for ≥13 months (any exclusivity) and exclusive breastfeeding for 4-11 months were linked to increased atopic eczema prevalence.
• A positive dose-response relationship was observed between prolonged breastfeeding duration (regardless of exclusivity) and atopic eczema.
• No significant association was found between feeding patterns and the prevalence of wheeze or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.

Conclusions:

• Prolonged breastfeeding, irrespective of exclusivity, may be associated with a higher prevalence of atopic eczema in Japanese children.
• The findings suggest a complex relationship between breastfeeding and allergic disease development.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these associations.