The Association of Breastfeeding Duration and Early Childhood Cardiometabolic Risk

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Cardiovascular Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Early childhood cardiometabolic risk is a growing public health concern.
• Breastfeeding is recognized for its numerous health benefits, but its specific impact on long-term cardiometabolic health requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the duration of breastfeeding and cardiometabolic risk in early childhood.
• To identify specific cardiometabolic risk factors influenced by breastfeeding duration.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 1539 healthy children aged 3-6 years.
• Utilized adjusted multivariable linear regression to analyze the relationship between breastfeeding duration and cardiometabolic risk z-scores and individual risk factors.
• Assessed waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, glucose, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Main Results:

• Mean breastfeeding duration was 12.5 months.
• Increased breastfeeding duration showed a small association with a lower cardiometabolic risk z-score.
• Each additional 3 months of breastfeeding correlated with reduced waist circumference and systolic blood pressure.
• Breastfeeding for 12-24 months was associated with lower systolic blood pressure compared to 6-12 months.
• No additional cardiometabolic benefit was observed for breastfeeding durations exceeding 24 months.

Conclusions:

• Breastfeeding duration is associated with a small reduction in early childhood cardiometabolic risk.
• While a link exists, the study cannot infer causation.
• Breastfeeding beyond 24 months does not appear to confer additional cardiometabolic health advantages.