Exclusive Breastfeeding for Six Months Linked to Lower Respiratory Tract Infections In Infants: Researchers

A new study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that infants aged 12 to 24 months had a significantly lower incidence of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and associated hospitalizations when exclusively breastfed for 6 months and then continued to be breastfed for at least a year.

To investigate the relationship between nursing behaviors during the first year of life and subsequent baby respiratory tract infections, Weiming Wang and her colleagues carried out this study.

The Tongji Maternal and Child Health Cohort research included a secondary analysis. The data on breastfeeding was gathered at 3, 6, and 12 months of age. Hospitalization for respiratory tract infection during 12 to 24 months and pediatrician-diagnosed baby respiratory tract infection were collected 24 months after delivery.

A total of 13% of the 5242 babies in the study were breastfed exclusively for 6 months and for at least a year (F6-L). Formula-fed (FF) infants expressed a greater incidence of respiratory tract infection, including upper respiratory tract infection and lower respiratory tract infections when compared to infants in the F6-L group.

Overall, a decreased incidence of recurrent baby respiratory tract infections and hospitalization from respiratory tract infections was linked to full breastfeeding for 6 months and maintained nursing for at least a year.

Reference: Wang, W., Tu, M., Huang, L., Zhang, X., Chen, X., Lin, L., Yang, X., Hao, L., & Yang, N. (2024). Association of breastfeeding practices during the first 12 months and subsequent infant respiratory tract infections: a prospective cohort study. In European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-024-01558-x