Breastfeeding Prevents Asthma and Allergies

Introducing milk other than breast milk to infants younger than 4 months old increases the risk of asthma and atopy (a predisposition to certain allergies).

“Public health interventions promoting an increased duration of exclusive breastfeeding may help to reduce…childhood asthma”, an article in the British Medical Journal recently reported.

In the first study of its kind, the investigators followed 2,187 children from before birth through their 6th birthday, questioning their parents regarding various manifestations of asthma and allergy.

Children who were fed milk other than breast milk before 4 months of age experienced higher rates of all indicators of asthma and allergy, the report indicates. Such children were 25% more likely to be diagnosed with allergy and 30% more likely to have a positive skin test for allergies than were children who received only breast milk during their early months.

The total duration of exclusive breastfeeding was less important, though longer breastfeeding was associated with less asthma and allergy, the authors note.

“Delaying the introduction of milk other than breast milk until at least 4 months of age may protect against asthma and atopy later in childhood.

from the British Medical Journal

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