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Association between breastfeeding and allergic disorders in Japanese children

K Tanaka1, Y Miyake, S Sasaki

  • 1Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan. k-tanaka@fukuoka-u.ac.jp

The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease : the Official Journal of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
|March 6, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Breastfeeding, particularly exclusive breastfeeding for at least four months, may reduce asthma prevalence in young Japanese children. Duration of breastfeeding also showed a trend toward lower asthma rates.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
  • Public Health Research
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Conflicting data exist regarding the association between breastfeeding and allergies.
  • Understanding this relationship is crucial for public health recommendations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the link between breastfeeding duration/exclusivity and wheeze, asthma, and eczema in young Japanese children.
  • To provide insights into the protective effects of breastfeeding against allergic diseases.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 1957 Japanese children aged 3 years was studied.
  • Data on breastfeeding, allergic symptoms, and confounders were collected via questionnaire.
  • Outcomes were assessed using International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood criteria, with adjustments for multiple factors.

Main Results:

  • Asthma prevalence was 8.9%, wheeze 22.1%, and eczema 17.3%.
  • Exclusive breastfeeding for ≥4 months was linked to lower asthma prevalence.
  • Breastfeeding for ≥6 months, regardless of exclusivity, showed a trend towards reduced asthma prevalence.

Conclusions:

  • Breastfeeding may be associated with a decreased prevalence of asthma in young Japanese children.
  • Exclusive and longer-duration breastfeeding could play a role in asthma prevention.
Abstract

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