Breastfeeding is not a risk factor for clinical severity in Autism spectrum disorder in children from the ELENA
Marianne Peries1,2,3, Fanny Duhr1, Marie-Christine Picot2,3,4
1Centre de Ressource Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
Insights
Breastfeeding (BF) may not prevent autism spectrum disorder (ASD) severity. This study found no link between breastfeeding initiation or duration and the clinical presentation of ASD in children.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Pediatric health
- Public health
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
- Breastfeeding (BF) is recognized for promoting cognitive development and has been investigated for potential protective effects against ASD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between breastfeeding initiation and duration and the clinical severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Main Methods:
- Data from 243 children diagnosed with ASD in the ELENA cohort were analyzed.
- Clinical severity was assessed using standardized tools across multiple dimensions.
- Breastfeeding initiation and duration rates were compared to general population data.
Main Results:
- Breastfeeding initiation rates were similar to the general population.
- A higher proportion of children were breastfed up to six months.
- No association was found between breastfeeding initiation or duration and the prevention of ASD clinical severity.
Conclusions:
- The study did not find evidence that breastfeeding initiation or duration influences the clinical severity of autism spectrum disorder.
- Methodological limitations in prior research suggesting a BF-ASD association are discussed.
Abstract:
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that results from a complex interaction between genes and environment. Breastfeeding (BF) is thought to promote healthy cognitive development, and a body of research has suggested that it may also protect against ASD. Our objectives were to identify the relationship between the initiation and duration of BF and the severity of clinical presentation in ASD. Data were collected from 243 children with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD followed in the ELENA cohort. Clinical severity was measured according to multiple dimensions using standardised tools. The frequency of the initiation of BF was comparable to that of the general population and the rate of children still being breastfed at six months of age was higher. Our results did not indicate a contribution of initiation or duration of BF to the prevention of clinical severity of ASD. We discuss our results in the light of possible methodological limitations of previous reports of an association between BF and ASD.Clinical Trial Registration: NCT02625116.
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