The impact of breastfeeding--translating recent evidence for practice
Lisa Smithers1, Ellen McIntyre
1Department of Population Health and Epidemiology, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia. lisa.smithers@unisa.edu.au
Insights
Breastfeeding is linked to a higher intelligence quotient (IQ) in children. While initial growth may be slower, long-term benefits for cardiovascular health and development are suggested, highlighting the importance of breastfeeding support.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Developmental Science
Background:
- Emerging research explores the long-term health and developmental impacts of breastfeeding.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review research from 2004-2009 on breastfeeding in healthy, full-term infants.
- To examine associations between breastfeeding and intelligence quotient (IQ), anthropometry, and cardiovascular health.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of studies published between 2004 and 2009.
- Analysis focused on outcomes of public health relevance.
Main Results:
- A large cluster randomized trial demonstrated a positive association between breastfeeding and higher IQ at age 6.
- Infants who are breastfed show slower initial growth, but anthropometric differences diminish by childhood.
- Observational data suggest lower adult cholesterol and blood pressure in those breastfed, though causality requires further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding is associated with enhanced cognitive development (IQ).
- While initial growth patterns differ, long-term anthropometric effects are minimal.
- Potential cardiovascular benefits warrant further research; supporting breastfeeding is a key public health strategy.
Background:
Recent research is improving our understanding of how breastfeeding influences long term health and development.
Objective:
This article summarises research published from 2004 to 2009 relating to breastfeeding of healthy full term infants to selected outcomes of public health relevance and community interest: intelligence quotient, anthropometry and cardiovascular health.
Discussion:
Evidence from a large cluster randomised trial shows breastfeeding is associated with higher intelligence quotient at 6 years of age. Breastfed infants initially grow more slowly than artificially fed infants, but anthropometrical differences do not persist into childhood, suggesting other factors may have a stronger influence on anthropometry. Observational studies indicate cholesterol and blood pressure are moderately lower in adults who were breastfed in infancy, although further research is needed to confirm causality and clarify the full extent of benefit. Support of breastfeeding by general practitioners is an important health promotion strategy as even modest health benefits may have important implications at a population level.
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