The association between breastfeeding and the cardiovascular system in early childhood
Annemieke M V Evelein1, Caroline C Geerts, Frank L J Visseren
1Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Netherlands. a.m.v.evelein@umcutrecht.nl
Insights
Exclusive breastfeeding for 3 to 6 months in infancy was linked to thicker carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in 5-year-olds. This finding suggests infant feeding choices impact early childhood vascular development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric cardiovascular health
- Infant nutrition and development
Background:
- Breastfeeding is associated with positive health outcomes, but its long-term cardiovascular effects are not fully understood.
- The impact of infant feeding on cardiovascular health in childhood requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cardiovascular effects of exclusive breastfeeding in early childhood.
- To determine the relationship between infant feeding practices and carotid artery properties at age 5.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the WHeezing Illnesses STudy LEidsche Rijn (WHISTLER) birth cohort.
- Assessed infant feeding history and performed ultrasonographic measurements of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), distensibility, and elastic modulus in 306 children at age 5.
Main Results:
- Children exclusively breastfed for 3 to 6 months had significantly greater CIMT (21.1 μm) at age 5 compared to formula-fed children.
- No significant differences in CIMT were found for exclusive breastfeeding durations of <3 or >6 months.
- Carotid stiffness did not differ significantly between exclusively breastfed and formula-fed groups.
Conclusions:
- The duration of exclusive breastfeeding in infancy is associated with carotid arterial wall properties at age 5.
- A 3- to 6-month exclusive breastfeeding period correlated with increased CIMT, independent of early growth and current risk factors.
- Infant feeding choices appear to influence the vascular system during early childhood.
Background:
Breastfeeding is suggested to have beneficial effects on children's health and future health status. However, its cardiovascular effects in childhood and possibly later in life remain largely unclear.
Objective:
The aim of the present study was to determine the cardiovascular effects of exclusive breastfeeding in early childhood.
Design:
We used the ongoing WHeezing Illnesses STudy LEidsche Rijn (WHISTLER) birth cohort to obtain data on infant feeding. In the first 306 children who were 5 y of age, ultrasonographic measurements of the carotid artery were performed to obtain carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), distensibility, and elastic modulus.
Results:
At 5 y of age, children who had been exclusively breastfed in infancy for 3 to 6 mo had a CIMT that was 21.1 μm greater than that of exclusively formula-fed children (95% CI: 5.0, 37.2 μm; P = 0.01, adjusted for confounders). CIMT was not significantly different between children exclusively breastfed for either <3 or >6 mo and formula-fed children. In addition, no significant differences in carotid stiffness were observed between groups.
Conclusions:
The duration of exclusive breastfeeding in infancy is related to properties of the carotid arterial wall at the age of 5 y, as shown by the greater CIMT in children who were exclusively breastfed for 3 to 6 mo. This relation was independent of early growth in infancy and current cardiovascular disease risk factors. The choice of infant feeding appears to have an effect on the vascular system already in early childhood.
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