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Search for optimal age for weaning. Ten-year prospective study
V Strbák1, M Hromadová, L Kostálová
1Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava.
Insights
Extended infant breast-feeding, over 6 months, was linked to higher cholesterol and atherogenic index in children by age 10. Optimal duration requires further study.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Longitudinal studies are crucial for understanding the long-term effects of infant nutrition.
- Previous data up to 7 years highlighted the impact of infant feeding practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical and biochemical effects of infant nutrition up to age 10.
- To assess the association between breast-feeding duration and cardiovascular risk markers.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal prospective study followed children from birth to 10 years.
- Clinical examinations and biochemical parameter measurements were conducted.
- Statistical analysis, including chi-squared test, was used.
Main Results:
- Children breast-fed for over 6 months showed significantly higher incidence of elevated atherogenic index and cholesterolemia.
- Two obese children with high blood pressure had short breast-feeding durations (<1 week).
- Serum total cholesterol was highest in the >6 months breast-feeding group; thyroid function was unaffected.
Conclusions:
- While breast-feeding has benefits, durations exceeding 6 months may be associated with adverse effects on lipid profiles.
- Further research is needed to determine the optimal duration of breast-feeding considering all health aspects.
Abstract:
The effect of infant nutrition on some clinical and biochemical parameters was studied from birth in a longitudinal prospective study. The data covering the period up to 7 years were reported previously. At the age 10 years 80 children were examined. Two children have been regularly followed up because of high blood pressure. Both had been breast-fed for less than one week and are obese at present. Surprisingly serum total cholesterol was the highest in the group breast-fed for more than 6 months. There were no pronounced differences in the levels of lipoprotein cholesterol carriers. The incidence of a high (over 6.0) atherogenic index (total chol - HDL chol) x APOB/APOA1 x HDL chol) and cholesterolemia over 4.8 mmol/l was significantly (chi 2 test) higher in the group breast-fed for over 6 months. Thyroid function parameters were not affected by the duration of breast-feeding. We conclude that besides undoubtedly favorable effects of breast-feeding, some functions might be also adversely affected if it lasts for more than 6 months. For justified recommendation of optimal duration of breast-feeding all aspects should be considered and more data collected.