The impact of breastfeeding on lung development and function: a systematic review.
With the global trend of increasing asthma and allergic disorders there is strong interest regarding early life nutrition as a potentially modifiable risk factor for lung disease. This systematic review includes 10 studies that assessed the effect of breastfeeding on lung growth and function. The review found breastfeeding to be beneficial for lung function, with the most consistent effect on increased forced vital capacity. There was no clear evidence that the relationship between breastfeeding and lung function was mediated through other factors. Furthermore, the findings from the few studies that investigated if maternal asthma modified the effect of breastfeeding on lung function were inconsistent. Further research is needed to determine the specific details such as duration and type (exclusive vs partial) of breastfeeding that leads to improved lung function.
Centre for Molecular, Environmental, Genetic and Analytic (MEGA) Epidemiology, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, 207, Bouverie Street, Carlton, Vic 3052, Australia.
Nilakshi T
NT
Waidyatillake
Katrina J
KJ
Allen
Caroline J
CJ
Lodge
Shyamali C
SC
Dharmage
Michael J
MJ
Abramson
Julie A
JA
Simpson
Adrian J
AJ
Lowe
D001942:Breast Feeding; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008168:Lung / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D038081:Organogenesis; D012307:Risk Factors; D014797:Vital Capacity