Λεξικό .. Breast-fed infants

The protective effect of breast-feeding in allergy prophylaxis remains controversial despite many epidemiological studies. One reason for confusion could be heterogeneity of breast milk with regard to its protective capacity.  The occurrence of allergy was unaffected by the duration of breast feeding and the age at introduction of cow milk feeding [1]. Among newborns fed exclusively on breast milk for a minimum of 3 months, the incidence of eczema and wheezing was significantly lower (12%) compared with findings in the formula-fed group (32%) [2].  Breast-feeding is of great importance for the infant because of its role in preventing infections, especially in the intestinal tract, but probably also by preventing and/or delaying atopic allergy.  Breast-feeding should be promoted with all possible means, especially in developing countries [3]. Breast feeding is associated with a lower asthma risk in children until 8 years of age without evidence of attenuation and regardless of the family history of allergy [4].

References

1. Stahlberg, M. - R.: Breast feeding, cow milk feeding, and allergy.  Allergy (1985) 40, No. 8, p. 612.

2. Chandra, R.K., et al:  Predictive value of cord blood IgE in the development of atopic disease and role of breast-feeding in its prevention. Clin. Allergy (1985), 5, No. 6, p. 517.

3. Hanson, L.A., et al:  The immune response of the mammary gland and its significance for the neonate.  Ann. Allergy (1984) 53, No. 6, Part II, p. 576.

4. Scholtens S, Wijga AH, Brunekreef B, Kerkhof M, Hoekstra MO, Gerritsen J, Aalberse R, de Jongste JC, Smit HA. Breast feeding, parental allergy and asthma in children followed for 8 years. The PIAMA birth cohort study. Thorax. 2009 Jul;64(7):558-9.  Thorax. 2009 Jul;64(7):604-9