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Protective effect of exclusive breastfeeding against infections during infancy: a prospective study

Fani Ladomenou1, Joanna Moschandreas, Anthony Kafatos

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University of Crete, POB 2208, Heraklion 710 03, Greece.

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|September 30, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Exclusive breastfeeding for six months significantly reduces infant infections like acute respiratory infections and ear infections. This protective effect, observed in a large study, highlights the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for infant health.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Breastfeeding is widely recommended for infant health.
  • Understanding the specific protective effects of breastfeeding against common infant infections is crucial for public health guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively examine how breastfeeding impacts the frequency and severity of infections in infants.
  • To assess the protective role of exclusive and partial breastfeeding against various infant infections.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study followed 926 infants for 12 months.
  • Feeding modes and infectious episodes (e.g., acute otitis media, acute respiratory infection) were recorded at multiple time points.
  • Statistical analysis adjusted for potential confounding factors.

Main Results:

  • Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months was associated with significantly fewer infectious episodes, including acute respiratory infection and acute otitis media.
  • Prolonged exclusive breastfeeding correlated with fewer overall infections and hospital admissions for infection.
  • Partial breastfeeding did not demonstrate a significant protective effect against infections.

Conclusions:

  • Exclusive breastfeeding offers protection against common infant infections, reducing their frequency and severity.
  • The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding extend beyond the initial months, contributing to fewer hospitalizations.
  • Partial breastfeeding does not appear to confer the same level of protection.
Abstract

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