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Last Updated: Apr 16, 2008 - 5:52:06 PM |
TUESDAY JAN 8, 2008 (Foodconsumer.org) -- Atopic disease including eczema, asthma and food allergies may be delayed or prevented in high risk infants if they are exclusively breast-fed for at least four months or fed infant formula without cow milk protein added, according to a new study.
The new study published in the January 2008 issue of Pediatrics adds to a growing body of evidence that drinking commercial cow milk and eating dairy products is at least partially responsible for atopic disease in young children.
Dr. Frank Greer, author of the study, professor of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin and Chairman of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) said it may not matter what pregnant or lactating women eat, but suggested that infants from a family with high risk of atopic disease should be breastfed exclusively at least for four months and then wean to a partially or extensively hydrolyzed formula without cow milk protein.
According to Dr. Greer, the recommended feeding regimen could help delay or prevent the onset of atopic disease especially eczema.
Cow milk protein or casein is an irritant to the intestines to say the least. Children who use commercial cow milk or infant formula with cow milk are also at high risk of constipation among others.
In a policy statement issued on Feb 7, 2005, AAP says "Studies on infants provide evidence that breastfeeding can decrease the incidence or severity of conditions such as diarrhea, ear infections and bacterial meningitis. Some studies also suggest that breastfeeding may offer protection against sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), diabetes, obesity and asthma among others."
The pediatrician organization also recommends "Exclusive breastfeeding for approximately the first six months and support for breastfeeding for the first year and beyond as long as mutually desired by mother and child."
Mothers' breast milk is no doubt the best food for infants and it provides all types of health benefits that infants need to nurture their bodies. No infant formula or cow milk can replace mother’s breast milk!
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