In a message dated 9/20/01 10:49:17 AM, [log in to unmask] writes:

From a mom:
<< I am trying to find out if there is any connection between breastfeeding
and vitiligo. I am 29 weeks pregnant and I have vitiligo and hypothyroidism
which are both considered to be autoimmune disorders. Since breast milk
contains antibodies can I pass my "defective" antibodies on to my baby? I
would like to breastfeed but would also like to minimize my baby's
chances of developing vitilgo.>>

Approx 1/3 of all cases of vitiligo are thought to be genetic in origin. I
know of no research adressing whether or not bf'ing might be protective of
such genetic expression, but of course my belief is that bf'ing would protect
against genetic expression of any disorder or disease. Vitiligo is also
connected to pernicious anemia and hypothyroidism. I also have to believe
that bf babies would be less inclined to develop one of these dosorders,
therefore less likely to develop a catalyst condition for vitiligo. Or put
another way, AF babies would be more likely to develop the known precorsor
conditions.
Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA

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