ABSTRACT
Although the propitious effects of breastfeeding on children's health are indisputable, the impact of exclusive breastfeeding on the lung function later in life remains controversial. Our objective was to explore the possible associations between breastfeeding and the lung function of children who were exclusively breastfed for an extensive period of time. This was a cross-sectional study of children who were exclusively breastfed for more than 12 months. Demographics and anthropometric data were collected; the body mass index (BMI), % body fat, and % central obesity were calculated; and all the participants underwent standard spirometry with reversibility testing. The relationship between breastfeeding duration and spirometric parameters was assessed by Spearman's correlation and multivariable regression, after adjustment for other confounders. Forty-six children (21 boys), aged 9.2 ± 2.4 years, with a reported breastfeeding duration of 27.5 ± 12.5 months (range 12-60 months) were included; 13% were overweight (none were obese) and 21.7% had central obesity. The average FEV1 was 104.7 ± 10.4% and the average FEF25-75 was 107.9 ± 13.3%. The duration of exclusive breastfeeding was positively correlated with FEF25-75% (r = 0.422, p = 0.003). Multivariable linear regression analysis confirmed the above finding (beta coefficient 0.478, p = 0.002), independently of age, overweight, and central obesity. No correlation was noted between the duration of breastfeeding and other spirometric parameters. In addition to its favorable impact on the metabolic profile, prolonged exclusive breastfeeding seems to exert a propitious effect on the function of smaller airways throughout childhood.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Breastfeeding is recognized as an important public health issue with substantial social and economic implications. Moreover, the growth of exclusively breastfed babies differs from that of their formula-fed counterparts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physical growth of exclusively breastfed and self-weaned boys and girls of Greece 0-36 months of age. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The physical growth of children was monitored from birth up to 36 months of age. Body weight, length/height, and head circumference were recorded. The study population included 101 boys and 105 girls who were recruited consecutively from a private breastfeeding clinic in the second largest city of Greece and through La Leche League groups throughout the country during 2000 to 2005. All infants were exclusively breastfed for ≥ 6 months. Anthro software ( www.who.int/childgrowth/software/en/index.html ) was used to compare the data of our study population and the World Health Organization standards for weight, length/height, and head circumference for age. RESULTS: Male and female infants at 12 months had almost tripled their weight (192% and 190% increase, respectively) and had increased their length (height) by 48% and 47%, respectively, and head circumference had increased by 35% and 33%, respectively. In both sexes the relative length/height and the head circumference-for-age increase rates were higher from the first to the second month of life than at any other period. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term exclusively breastfed infants grow normally. Hence, no recommendations for the interruption of lactation and/or supplementation with formula are justified.
