Breastfeeding Reduces Risk of Asthma in First Four Years of Life, From
Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology
Thursday September 16, 9:38 am ET


MILWAUKEE, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Exclusive breastfeeding from birth to
four months reduces the risk of asthma during the first four years of life,
according to a study in the October 2004 Journal of Allergy & Clinical
Immunology (JACI). The JACI is the peer-reviewed scientific journal of the
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).
Inger Kull, RN, and colleagues from the Department of Occupational and
Environmental Health in Stockholm, Sweden, evaluated the relationship
between breastfeeding and asthma in 4,089 newborns. Data was collected from
the parents on symptoms related to wheezing and other allergic diseases in
their child at one, two and four months of age. Data on breastfeeding was
collected after 1 year of age. Exclusive breastfeeding was defined as the
period when the infants were given only breast milk, and no cow's milk or
solid foods had been introduced.

    Researchers found:

    -- Four year olds who had been exclusively breast-fed for the first four
       months showed a lower risk of asthma.

    -- 9.1% of children exclusively breast-fed for less than 4 months had
       asthma, compared to 6.4% among children breast-fed 4 months or more.

    -- Continued partial breastfeeding after exclusive breastfeeding also
had
       a protective effect.

    -- The protective effects of breastfeeding were greatest among children
       whose parent(s) did not have asthma or allergies.


The researchers had previously showed the same results in children at 2
years of age. This study expands on those findings, showing that a more
prolonged period of breastfeeding not only reduces the risk of asthma
during the first four years of life, but it also appears to reduce the
severity of the disease as well.

The AAAAI is the largest professional medical specialty organization in the
United States representing allergists, asthma specialists, clinical
immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special
interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Established in
1943, the AAAAI has nearly 6,000 members in the United, States, Canada and
60 other countries. The AAAAI serves as an advocate to the public by
providing educational information through its Web site at
http://www.aaaai.org or the toll-free physician referral and information
line at 1 (800) 822-2762.




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Source: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

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