New Study Challenges Concept that Breastfeeding Reduces Childhood Obesity
A symposium at the American Society for Nutrition’s annual meeting at Experimental Biology was held recently where infant feeding practices as it related to obesity in childhood were explored. Utilizing randomized clinical trials (inclusive of breastfeeding promotion) and sibling pairs analysis, new insights were gained into possible associations between infant feeding and health outcomes such as obesity.
The study design controlled for maternal factors. Differences in the long-term effects of breast and bottle feeding may reflect differences in the mothers rather than the effects of feeding itself stated the scientists. Maternal factors controlled for included health status of the mothers, maternal care-giving, mother-child interactions/other behaviors related to such, and the strength of any possible associations.
Frankly speaking, the findings of this study challenge the concept that breastfeeding reduces the risk of obesity in childhood, contrary to the findings of some other related studies. Speaking of the strength of the study design and the fact that other studies may have been prone to inherent bias, the researcher, Dr. Kramer noted “Previously reported beneficial effects of breastfeeding on these outcomes (measurements of obesity) may be the result of uncontrolled confounding and selection bias.” The study performed by Dr. Kramer is one of the largest randomized trials done to date in the area of human lactation.
Other studies presented at the symposium suggested that breastfeeding may possibly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in youth, possibly mediated by weight in childhood.
For updates on the publication of this conference which should be available in the near future, visit http://www.infantformula.org. This conference, it might be noted, was sponsored by IFC, an international association of manufacturers and marketers of formulated nutritional products including adult and infant formulas.
About the Author
Kathy Shattler received her Master of Science degree from Michigan State University in E. Lansing Michigan in Human Nutrition. Her twenty-two years of practice includes holding positions as a Lecturer, Chief Clinical Dietitian and Program Manager. Kathy is the Founder of Nutri-Care Consulting and is currently the Nutrition Director of www.CEU4U.COM, an online continuing education management company for Registered Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians.
