Breastfeeding patterns in infants are associated with a later diagnosis of autism Spectrum disorder
Leena Elbedour1, Rewaa Balaum1, Einav Alhozyel1
1Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
Insights
Exclusive breastfeeding for over 12 months is linked to lower autism spectrum disorder (ASD) odds. Early introduction of solids after six months may increase ASD likelihood, highlighting the importance of infant nutrition for neurodevelopment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Breastfeeding offers significant medical and developmental advantages for infants.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with increasing prevalence.
- Early life nutrition is a critical factor influencing infant development and long-term health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between infant nutritional patterns in the first year of life and the risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- To determine if breastfeeding duration and timing of solid food introduction correlate with ASD diagnosis.
- To provide evidence-based insights into the role of early nutrition in neurodevelopmental trajectories.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case-control study design.
- Inclusion of 270 children diagnosed with ASD (cases) and 500 matched neurotypical controls.
- Data collected from mother-child health clinics, analyzed using conditional logistic regression adjusting for confounders.
Main Results:
- Both exclusive and partial breastfeeding were associated with significantly decreased odds of ASD diagnosis.
- Breastfeeding duration exceeding 12 months showed a notable reduction in ASD likelihood.
- Introduction of solid foods after six months of age was linked to increased odds of ASD compared to introduction at six months.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged exclusive breastfeeding is associated with a reduced likelihood of subsequent ASD diagnosis.
- These findings underscore the critical role of appropriate post-natal nutrition in supporting healthy infant neurodevelopment.
- Optimizing infant feeding practices may contribute to mitigating ASD risk.
Abstract:
Breastfeeding is associated with medical and developmental benefits. This study aimed to assess associations between nutritional patterns in the first year of life and the likelihood of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). 270 children diagnosed with ASD (cases) and 500 neurotypical children (controls) matched to cases by sex, ethnicity, and birth date (± 3 months) were included in this retrospective case-control study. Both groups were ascertained from children born between 2014 and 2017 whose development/nutrition were monitored at mother-child health clinics in southern Israel. Conditional logistic regression was used to determine the independent association of nutritional patterns with ASD while adjusting for socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Both exclusive and partial breastfeeding modes were associated with decreased odds of ASD diagnosis (aOR = 0.221, 95%CI = 0.136-0.360; aOR = 0.494, 95%CI = 0.328-0.743, respectively). A breastfeeding duration of >12 months was associated with lower ASD odds (aOR = 0.418, 95%CI = 0.204-0.855), while the introduction of solids after 6 months of age was associated with higher ASD odds than the introduction of solids at 6 months (aOR = 2.455, 95%CI = 1.116-4.201). These findings suggest that a longer period of exclusive breastfeeding is associated with a subsequent reduced likelihood of ASD diagnosis, thus reiterating the importance of proper post-natal nutrition for infant neurodevelopment.
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