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The effect of breastfeeding on lung function at 12 and 18 years: a prospective cohort study

Nilakshi T Waidyatillake1, Julie A Simpson2, Katrina J Allen3

  • 1Allergy and Lung Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, the University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia.

The European Respiratory Journal
|April 15, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Breastfeeding duration showed no significant impact on most lung function measures in children with a family history of allergies. However, longer exclusive breastfeeding may slightly increase mid-expiratory flow, potentially linked to child

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Infant feeding practices, particularly breastfeeding, are crucial for child development.
  • Allergic diseases have a significant impact on respiratory health.
  • Understanding the long-term effects of breastfeeding on lung function is important.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between the duration of total and exclusive breastfeeding and lung function up to adolescence.
  • To explore potential mediating factors in the relationship between breastfeeding and lung function.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the Melbourne Atopy Cohort Study, a birth cohort of 620 infants.
  • Assessed lung function at 12 and 18 years of age.
  • Employed multivariable linear regression and path analysis to examine associations and mediating effects.

Main Results:

  • No significant associations were found between breastfeeding duration (total or exclusive) and most lung function outcomes.
  • A trend suggested increased pre-bronchodilator mid-expiratory flow (MEF) with longer breastfeeding duration at 12 and 18 years.
  • Attained height showed a strong indirect effect on the observed associations between breastfeeding and MEF.

Conclusions:

  • Breastfeeding duration does not appear to significantly influence lung function in children with a family history of allergic diseases.
  • Longer exclusive breastfeeding may be associated with a modest increase in MEF, partly mediated by greater attained height.

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