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Breastfeeding and viral infections in preterm infants: a multicenter cohort study

Yusaku Kamiya1, Akihito Takeuchi2, Kazue Nakamura3

  • 1Division of Neonatology, NHO Okayama Medical Center, Okayama, Japan.

Pediatric Research
|August 20, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Breastfeeding up to 6 months may reduce viral infections in preterm infants. This includes influenza and shows a trend for other viruses, supporting breastfeeding promotion for infant health.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatalogy
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health Nutrition

Background:

  • Preterm infants are highly susceptible to viral infections during their first year of life.
  • Breastfeeding is recognized for its immune-protective benefits, but its specific impact on viral infections in preterm infants requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the association between breastfeeding status up to 6 months of age and the incidence of viral infections in preterm infants.
  • To identify specific viral infections potentially mitigated by breastfeeding in this vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

  • A multicenter cohort study analyzed data from 3,368 preterm infants.
  • Breastfeeding exposure and infection history were collected via parental questionnaires at one year of age.
  • Modified Poisson regression was used to estimate risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for viral infections.

Main Results:

  • Breastfeeding up to 6 months was significantly associated with a lower risk of influenza infection (adjusted RR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.48-0.89).
  • A trend towards a lower risk was observed for other viral infections, including respiratory syncytial virus, rotavirus, and norovirus.

Conclusions:

  • Breastfeeding for up to 6 months appears to offer protection against viral infections in preterm infants.
  • These findings support the promotion of breastfeeding as a key strategy for infection prevention in preterm infants.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm these associations and explore long-term health implications.
Abstract

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