Sticking to a strict diet of mom’s milk during the first 4 months of life may reduce a child’s risk of developing asthma by their eighth birthday, according to a new study.
"Breast milk is the optimal food for infants during the first months of life," lead researcher Dr. Inger Kull of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, told Reuters Health in an email. "But whether or not breastfeeding reduces the risk of asthma has been debated." Through her milk, a mother transfers "good" bacteria, antibodies and proteins that can help thwart infection. But the evidence for how breastfeeding might influence the later development of asthma remains confusing, with various studies suggesting protective, neutral and even detrimental effects. Kull and her colleagues decided to look into the relationship a little differently than previous studies. They followed nearly 4,000 Swedish children over 8 years, noting which received short- or long-term, as well as exclusive or partial, breastfeeding
Ask Questions If you Have any ?