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We Need Scientific, Ethical Articles on Infant Feeding

Nanette Jolly1

  • 1Private Practice, Gqeberha, South Africa.

Breastfeeding Medicine : the Official Journal of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
|July 28, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Infant feeding studies often incorrectly use formula as a control, masking the increased health risks associated with formula feeding compared to breastfeeding. This flawed methodology hinders effective public health responses to infant health disparities.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Comparative infant feeding research frequently employs infant formula as the control group.
  • This methodological choice is scientifically unsound and misrepresents infant health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critique the prevalent use of infant formula as a control in comparative infant feeding research.
  • To highlight the scientific and public health implications of this flawed research design.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of existing infant feeding research methodologies.
  • Critique of the scientific validity of using infant formula as a control.

Main Results:

  • The standard practice of using infant formula as a control group is a violation of scientific principles.
  • This approach obscures the elevated risks of morbidity and mortality associated with formula feeding.

Conclusions:

  • The current research paradigm in infant feeding requires revision to accurately reflect the risks of formula feeding.
  • Correcting this methodological flaw is crucial for informing healthcare professionals and the public about infant health risks.

Keywords:
attitudesbreastfeeding researchhealth education health professional knowledgehealth promotionpractice

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