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Nutritional aspects of human lactation
Bulletin of the World Health Organization
|January 1, 1975
Summary
Breast milk provides essential nutrition for infants, even in impoverished areas, offering anti-infective properties. However, prolonged breastfeeding alone cannot prevent infections in older infants in poor environments.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Breastfeeding is a critical aspect of infant nutrition globally.
- Declining breastfeeding rates in industrialized nations are a concern.
- Maternal and infant health are significantly influenced by lactation practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on breastfeeding and breast milk.
- To assess infant growth, morbidity, and maternal nutritional needs during lactation.
- To evaluate the impact of prolonged lactation on maternal health.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on breastfeeding incidence, duration, and composition of breast milk.
- Analysis of data on infant growth and morbidity.
- Examination of maternal nutritional requirements and health outcomes.
Main Results:
- Breast milk supports satisfactory infant growth for approximately 3 months, even in malnourished communities.
- Breast milk possesses anti-infective properties, but does not prevent infections in older infants in poor environments.
- Lactation can be sustained by mothers of all socioeconomic statuses; maternal body weight is maintained during prolonged lactation.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding remains the optimal nutrition for young infants.
- Current recommendations for increased maternal energy intake during lactation (4.2 MJ/1000 kcal) may be excessive; 2.5 MJ/600 kcal is suggested.
- Further research is needed on the material and psychological factors influencing breastfeeding.