Children who are breastfed more during their infancy are at a lower risk of chronic inflammation from cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, according to a new study.
Many studies have highlighted the various benefits of breastfeeding, both for the mother and child. Adding to this already long list of health benefits, researchers from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis found that it also reduces the risk of chronic inflammation linked to cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
"This study shows that birth weight and breastfeeding both have implications for children's health decades later," said Molly W. Metzger, a co-author of the study in a press statement. "Specifically, we are looking at the effects of these early factors on later levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a biomarker associated with risk for cardiovascular and metabolic disease. Comparing the long-term effects of breastfeeding to the effects of clinical trials of statin therapy, we find breastfeeding to exert effects that are as large or larger."
For the study, researchers used data from the U.S. National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, including parent surveys, and blood samples providing measurements of CRP.
"These findings underscore the importance of a preventive approach, including but not limited to prenatal health care and postnatal breastfeeding support," Metzger said. "And we know that uninsured women receive less prenatal care than insured women. So here in Missouri and elsewhere, expanding Medicaid eligibility would be one clear step in the right direction."
The composition of breast milk is ideally suited to a baby's intestines and so is easily digestible. It contains antibodies which help protect a baby against illnesses such as gastroenteritis, colds, urinary infections (UTIs), and ear infections. It may also help to reduce the risk of SIDS. Breastmilk reduces the risk of a baby getting allergic reactions such as asthma and eczema. Nursing a baby can even help to protect it against serious illnesses such as childhood diabetes and leukemia.
Breastmilk has fatty acids which are vital for a baby's brain development. Exclusively breastfeeding for the first few months can improve a baby's cognitive development. In theory, this means breastfeeding a baby could make her more intelligent, according to Web MD.
A mother's body also makes new antibodies when she's exposed to an infection. The antibodies get into her milk, ready for her baby to have. These help to protect the baby from the mother's illness. Breastmilk has been found to be important for premature babies and low birth weight babies. That's because they may be more susceptible to infections early in life.
The insulin in breastmilk is far less than in formula milk. Insulin helps create fat so breastmilk might make it easier for your baby to put on weight. Also breastfed babies are more efficient at regulating their feedings, leading to healthier eating patterns as they grow.
Breastfeeding is a great way to help a baby maintain its body temperature. Besides keeping it warm, skin-to-skin contact helps a mother and baby bond with to each other. Experts find that breastfeeding your baby during or just after immunization can help to soothe it.
The study was published in June in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. The project was supported by a grant from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development of the National Institutes of Health.
