Remember the research done by Howie et al in Dundee published some years ago?
Well, Prof Howie was speaking at the Dundee launch od Baby Friendly in Scotland,
and reported further findings.  The children are now 7 years old, and they have
followed up over 70%.  Comparing no breastfeeding and weaned before 13
weeks(bottle fed group)  against those receiving breastmilk at 13
weeks(breastfed group),  the breastfed group showed less cough and infection,
and lower blood pressure.  the lower blood pressure was 'highly statistically
significant', and prof Howie seems quite excited about it.

They also looked at age of introduction of solids.  early = <8 weeks age, late
=>4 months.  They found less wheeze, and lower weight and body fat, in the late
solids group.  best results from those breastfed and late solids, worst from
bottle and early solids.  breastfeeding seemed to protect against negative
effects of early solids (at least to an extent).

They are preparing paper for publication, and intend to follow the group again
in a few years, particularly because of the blood pressure findings.

Mary broadfoot, scotland