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Breast Milk Protects Against Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Infants at High Risk for Autism During Early Development
Alexander H Penn1, Leslie J Carver, Carrie A Herbert
1*Department of Bioengineering †Department of Psychology ‡Department of Pediatrics §Department of Human Development Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla ||Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA ¶US Army Institute of Surgical Research, San Antonio, TX.
Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|August 1, 2015
Summary
Infants at high risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show more gastrointestinal (GI) problems, especially with early weaning and no breast milk. Late weaning and exclusive breast milk feeding may protect high-risk infants from GI issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Research
Background:
- Gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction is frequently reported in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
- Infants at high risk for ASD, such as siblings of diagnosed children, may exhibit early signs of GI issues.
- Understanding the relationship between early infant diet, weaning practices, and GI problems in high-risk populations is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of GI problems in high-risk infants (siblings of children with ASD) compared to low-risk infants.
- To determine if GI problem prevalence in high-risk infants is associated with dietary patterns and age of weaning from breast milk.
Main Methods:
- Prospective and retrospective tracking of diet history and GI problems using questionnaires.
- Study included 57 high-risk infants and 114 low-risk infants for comparison.
- Analysis focused on the association between GI symptoms, diet (breast milk vs. no breast milk), and age at weaning.
Main Results:
- High-risk infants exhibited a greater overall prevalence of GI symptoms compared to low-risk infants.
- Early weaning (before 6 months) and non-breast milk diets were associated with increased GI symptoms, including constipation and abdominal distress, in high-risk infants.
- Constipation was significantly more prevalent in high-risk infants, particularly those on a no breast milk diet or weaned early.
Conclusions:
- Elevated GI symptoms in high-risk infants suggest GI dysfunction may be an early indicator or part of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) endophenotype.
- Exclusive and prolonged breast milk feeding, along with later weaning, appears to offer a protective effect against GI symptoms in high-risk infants.
- These findings highlight the potential role of early feeding practices in modulating GI health in infants at risk for neurodevelopmental conditions like ASD.
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