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Breastfeeding and Allergic Diseases: What's New?
Giulia Nuzzi1, Maria Elisa Di Cicco1, Diego Giampietro Peroni1
1Section of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
Insights
Breastfeeding and human milk composition are linked to reduced childhood allergies. This review explores how breastfeeding supports immune development and may prevent allergic conditions like asthma and eczema.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Human Lactation Research
- Public Health Nutrition
Background:
- Childhood allergic disorders, including asthma, atopic dermatitis, and food allergies, are increasing in prevalence.
- Identifying modifiable risk factors for these conditions is crucial for public health.
- Breast milk is recognized for its role in infant health and may influence the incidence of allergic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing evidence on the relationship between breastfeeding and human milk composition.
- To explore the potential role of breastfeeding in the prevention or development of allergic diseases in children.
Main Methods:
- This study is a narrative review of existing scientific literature.
- The review focuses on research concerning breastfeeding practices and the composition of human milk.
- Evidence related to allergic disease outcomes in relation to breastfeeding was synthesized.
Main Results:
- Breastfeeding is associated with a lower incidence of allergic diseases in childhood and young adulthood.
- Human milk composition is a significant factor in infant immune system maturation.
- Mechanisms linking breastfeeding to reduced allergy risk are still under investigation.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding plays a vital role in immune system development in infants.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms by which breastfeeding impacts allergic disease development.
- Understanding these mechanisms can inform public health strategies for allergy prevention.
Abstract:
Asthma and other allergic disorders, such as atopic dermatitis and food allergies, are common chronic health problems in childhood. The rapid rise in the prevalence of these conditions registered over the last few decades has stressed the need to identify the modifiable risk factors associated with the development of these diseases. Breast milk, recognized as the gold standard for healthy growth and development of the newborn, is one of the major factors associated with a lower incidence of allergic and infectious diseases in childhood and young adulthood. Although the underlying mechanisms for these effects are not well understood, breastfeeding leads to immune system maturation. In this narrative review, we summarize existing evidence on breastfeeding and human milk composition in relation to allergic disease prevention or development.
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