his study,
to determine the iron status of infants who received only human
milk and no other milks or foods during the first twelve months,
found that infants exclusively breastfeeding for 7 months or more
had good iron status. Introduction of complementary foods before
the age of seven months increased the risk of anemia. Although
only 30 infants were studied the results showed that with the
introduction of "beikost" before seven months, 43% of
the infants studied had developed anemia. The authors suggest
that prolonged exclusive breastfeeding practices are uncommon
in industrialized countries and iron supplementation may at times
be necessary as an intervention. For populations where iron supplementation
is unavailable a policy supporting prolonged exclusive breastfeeding
is an important public health measure to ensure normal iron status.
dequate
physician training in breastfeeding is the focus of Dr. Freed's
study. The author mailed surveys to 610 pediatric residents and
practitioners. The results showed that although pediatricians
agreed that they should be involved in breastfeeding promotion,
their competency and clinical knowledge was low. Testing their
knowledge showed for example that more than 25% did not agree
that exclusive breastfeeding was the best for optimal infant nutrition.
Much of their clinical advice included inappropriate formula supplementation
and early termination of breastfeeding. Most residents reported
minimal breastfeeding information, only some lecture information
and very little clinical experience. The author concluded that
current residency training inadequately prepared pediatricians
for their role in breastfeeding promotion and meeting the needs
of their breastfeeding patients. And in a time of limited resources
for health care, primary health care initiatives such as breastfeeding
promotion are vital. Pediatricians need to fulfil their responsibility
to provide support for breastfeeding mothers and their infants.
his long
term, prospective study from infancy to early adulthood, shows
that breastfeeding can confer protection against the development
of atopic disease and that this protection extends into early
adulthood. One hundred and fifty subjects completed this very
long term follow-up study of infants through to the age of 17
years divided into: prolonged breastfeeding >6 mo; intermediate
breastfeeding 1 to 6 months; and short breastfeeding <1 mo.
Allergic disorders were highest in those who received the least
breastfeeding.
Eczema was lowest in the prolonged breastfeeding group. Food allergy was highest in the low breastfeeding group, and respiratory allergy was also highest in the low breastfeeding group. The authors suggest that the influence of early infant feeding may exceed the influence of heredity in determining atopic disease. They observe that human milk may reduce exposure to food antigens through inhibiting their absorption as well as promote the natural maturation of the intestinal mucosal barrier and the secretory immune system. Also breastfeeding affords protection against microbial flora which can exacerbate mucosal damage.