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What are the risks associated with formula feeding? A re-analysis and review
Melinda E McNiel1, Miriam H Labbok, Sheryl W Abrahams
1University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Charlotte 28209, USA.
Breastfeeding Review : Professional Publication of the Nursing Mothers' Association of Australia
|October 1, 2010
Summary
Exclusive breastfeeding is optimal for infant health, as formula use increases risks for otitis media and other conditions. Research should prioritize exclusive breastfeeding as the standard for infant feeding studies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Infant feeding research often uses formula feeding as the standard, potentially undermining exclusive breastfeeding promotion.
- This approach can hinder the translation of research findings into effective infant feeding counseling.
- Re-framing research to use exclusive breastfeeding as the standard is crucial for accurate risk communication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the scientific literature on exclusive breastfeeding and its associated infant health outcomes.
- To re-calculate odds ratios, presenting exclusive breastfeeding as the normative standard.
- To highlight the risks associated with any infant formula use.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of PubMed-indexed studies on exclusive breastfeeding and specific infant health outcomes.
- Included outcomes: otitis media, asthma, diabetes (types 1 and 2), atopic dermatitis, and lower respiratory tract infections.
- Reconstruction of findings with exclusive breastfeeding as the standard and calculation of significance levels.
Main Results:
- When exclusive breastfeeding is the standard, any formula use is significantly associated with increased otitis media incidence.
- Pooled odds ratio for any formula use in the first 3 months shows a 2.00 increased risk (95% CI: 1.40, 2.78).
- Data limitations exist for calculating risks of formula use for other conditions (e.g., type 1 diabetes, asthma) with shorter exclusive breastfeeding durations.
Conclusions:
- Exclusive breastfeeding is an optimal infant feeding practice.
- Compared to exclusive breastfeeding, other infant feeding methods, including formula use, are associated with increased health risks.
- Further research is recommended on the impact of establishing exclusive breastfeeding as the standard in studies and counseling.
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