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[Effect of different kinds of feeding on morbidity during the first year of life]
L A García Llop1, A Ramada Benedito, J M García-Agundez
1Centro de Salud, Jaraíz de la Vera, Cáceres.
Insights
Infant feeding methods impact respiratory infections. Maternal and mixed feeding showed fewer infections compared to artificial feeding in the first year of life.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Infant feeding practices significantly influence child health outcomes.
- Understanding the relationship between feeding type and early childhood morbidity is crucial for public health initiatives.
- Previous research suggests benefits of breastfeeding, but evidence in diverse populations requires ongoing study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of different infant feeding methods on morbidity during the first year of life.
- To compare the incidence of respiratory infections across various feeding groups.
- To evaluate the protective effect of human milk against infections in a contemporary setting.
Main Methods:
- A study involving four infant groups based on feeding type: prolonged maternal feeding (≥3 months), initial artificial feeding, prolonged mixed feeding (≥3 months), and early cow's milk introduction (<6 months).
- Morbidity, specifically respiratory infections, was monitored in infants during their first year.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare infection rates between the feeding groups.
Main Results:
- Infants receiving maternal feeding or mixed feeding exhibited lower rates of respiratory infections compared to those on artificial feeding.
- The difference in infection rates between maternal/mixed feeding and artificial feeding was statistically significant (p<0.02 for mixed feeding).
- A potential diminished protective effect of human milk against infections was observed in certain societal contexts.
Conclusions:
- Maternal and mixed feeding strategies appear to offer better protection against respiratory infections in infants than artificial feeding.
- The findings suggest that the protective benefits of human milk against infections may be less pronounced in modern, developed societies.
- Further research is warranted to explore factors influencing human milk's efficacy and to optimize infant feeding recommendations.
Abstract:
It is studied the influence of the different kinds of feeding on the morbidity in the first year. Four groups are made depending on whether they have had maternal feeding for 3 months or over 3 months (n = 46), artificial feeding at the beginning (n = 63), mixed feeding for 3 months or over 3 months (n = 84) and those who had introduced cow milk before the 6 months (n = 48). The children with maternal feeding and mixed feeding had less respiratory infections than those who had been fed with artificial feeding (p greater than 0.05 and p less than 0.02 respectively). The results are compared with those given by other authors and it is suggested that in civilized societies there is a smaller evidence of the protection of the human milk against infections.