PMID: 18198630Jan 18, 2008Paper

Long-term health effects of breastfeeding

Lijec̆nic̆ki vjesnik
Anita Pavicić Bosnjak, Josip Grgurić

Abstract

During the last decade there has been increasing interest in possible long-term benefits of breastfeeding for health and development. Most relevant studies published from the second half of 2001 to 2006 suggest that breastfeeding is likely to protect against later obesity, type 1 diabetes, coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel diseases and childhood cancer. Also, breastfeeding seems to have beneficial effects on later cardiovascular risk factors. A positive association between breastfeeding and cognitive development continues to be the most consistent and important effect, whereas the effect of breastfeeding in the prevention of atopy remains controversial. Possible mechanisms which might mediate the protective effect of breastfeeding are considered. Evidence suggests that breastfeeding can to some degree programme future health, although most studies are observational and cannot prove causation. Promotion of breastfeeding is of great importance and may contribute to the prevention of some major health risks at the population level.

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.

Related Papers

The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society
Zrinjka Mišak
Tidsskrift for den Norske lægeforening : tidsskrift for praktisk medicin, ny række
A F Bakken
© 2021 Meta ULC. All rights reserved