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[The development of children who were breast-fed for a long time]
Sozial- Und Praventivmedizin
|September 1, 1980
Insights
Breastfeeding for over 18 weeks significantly impacted Italian children's height. Breast-fed children also showed higher cholesterol levels compared to non-breast-fed peers in the Basle Kindergarten study.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Child Development
- Biochemistry
Context:
- The Basle Kindergarten study investigated long-term effects of early feeding practices.
- Comparison between breast-fed and never-breast-fed children.
- Analysis stratified by ethnic origin (Italian and Swiss).
Purpose:
- To assess the developmental differences between breast-fed and non-breast-fed children.
- To determine if ethnicity influences the effects of breastfeeding on child development.
- To examine the relationship between breastfeeding and cholesterol levels.
Summary:
- A significant difference in height was observed between breast-fed and non-breast-fed Italian children.
- Breast-fed children exhibited higher cholesterol levels than those never breast-fed.
- No significant height difference was noted in Swiss children.
Impact:
- Highlights potential ethnic variations in response to breastfeeding.
- Suggests a link between breastfeeding duration and cholesterol levels in early childhood.
- Informs nutritional guidelines and pediatric care recommendations.
Abstract:
In the Basle Kindergarten study children who were breast-fed for more than 18 weeks were compared in their development with children who had never received breast milk. The children were grouped according to their origin in Italian and Swiss children. The difference in height between breast-fed and non breastfed children was found to be significative in Italian children. Breast-fed children had higher cholesterol levels than children who had never been suckled.