Relationship between duration of breastfeeding and development of atopic dermatitis

Earlier studies on breastfeeding [BF] and atopy in infants have yielded contradictory results. To evaluate the relationship between duration of BF and developing of AD. Seven hundred fifty infants between 2 to 3 years old from kindergartens of Kerman, Iran were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Data were obtained by questionnaires. Diagnosis of atopic dermatitis [AD] was made according to UK Working Party criteria. There was a significant association between duration of BF and the risk of AD [OR=0.93, 95% CI=0.90-0.96]. Early supplement feeding increased the risk of AD [OR=0.69, 95% CI=0.52-0.92]. The adjusted odds ratios of variables show that a positive family history of atopy, contact with smoke during pregnancy, suffering from asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis increased the risk of AD in infants. On the other hand, having elder siblings and taking oral contraceptive pills by mother decreased the risk of AD. Our results suggest that duration of BF has a protective effect against developing AD in infants. We recommend prolonged BF in all infants for protection against AD