Breastfeeding is an essential complement to vaccination.
OBJECTIVE
This article explores the role of breastfeeding in different aspects of vaccination in the first 6 months when infants are still developing: (1) pain management; (2) immunomodulation of infants' vaccine responses; (3) metabolism of thimerosal.


METHODS
Major databases were searched for studies that addressed outcomes of related issues.


RESULTS
Studies reveal that breastfeeding can: (1) help mothers and infants to cope with the stressful situations that accompany parenteral vaccines; (2) improve response to vaccines in the still maturing immunologic and enterohepatic systems of infants; (3) influence physiologic parameters that can change metabolism of ethylmercury derived from some vaccines.


CONCLUSIONS
Health promotion that supports vaccinations should also emphasize early initiation and maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding up until 6 months for maximum protection of the infants with a possible beneficial effect on the vaccine response. Paediatric professionals should inform mothers of the proven benefits of breastfeeding and its importance in complementing vaccination and lowering stress and the risk of untoward reactions on susceptible infants.
Dòrea
Josè G
JG
Department of Nutrition, Universidade de Brasília, 70919-970 Brasília, DF, Brazil. dorea@rudah.com.br
D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D059408:Pain Management; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D013849:Thimerosal / Q000378:metabolism*; D014611:Vaccination / Q000009:adverse effects; D014612:Vaccines / Q000276:immunology*
D000485:Allergens; D014612:Vaccines; D013849:Thimerosal