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Breastfeeding and prevalence of allergic diseases in Japanese university students

Shotaro Karino1, Toshihiro Okuda, Yoshio Uehara

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Health Service Centre, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. karinos-tky@umin.ac.jp

Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology : Official Publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
|August 30, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Breastfeeding showed negligible effects on allergic disease prevalence in Japanese university students. Genetic factors, such as parental history of allergies, were more significant predictors of allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and asthma.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Historical data suggested breastfeeding may protect against allergic diseases.
  • Recent studies present conflicting evidence regarding breastfeeding's protective role.
  • Understanding these associations is crucial for public health recommendations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the cumulative prevalence of allergic diseases in Japanese university students.
  • To identify factors associated with allergic disease development, including breastfeeding history.
  • To clarify the role of breastfeeding in the context of other risk factors.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 9,615 University of Tokyo students completed questionnaires between March 2003 and March 2005.
  • Data collected included self-reported allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and asthma.
  • Statistical analyses, including logistic regression, were used to identify correlates of disease prevalence.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and asthma was 47.2%, 17.4%, and 9.3%, respectively.
  • A history of allergic disease in parents or siblings significantly increased the odds of developing these conditions.
  • No consistent evidence was found linking breastfeeding to the cumulative prevalence of these allergic diseases.

Conclusions:

  • Genetic predisposition, indicated by family history, is a stronger determinant of allergic diseases than breastfeeding.
  • The study suggests breastfeeding's impact on allergic disease prevalence in young adults is minimal.
  • Further research may be needed to explore complex gene-environment interactions in allergy development.
Abstract

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