Combining Breastfeeding With Solid Foods Prevents Allergies
A study confirms the importance of maintaining exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months and then prolonging it, combining it with the introduction of solid foods.
Researchers at the University of Southampton (United Kingdom) recommend delaying the introduction of solid foods to babies for at least 17 weeks and combining them with breast milk. This simple measure prevents the appearance of food allergies.
According to Kate Grimshaw, director of the study published in Paedriatics , it is necessary that exposure to food allergens overlaps with breast milk, as it contains immune factors that promote the proper development of the baby’s immune system.
The withdrawal of lactation and the premature introduction of solids promote allergies
To conduct the research, Grimshaw’s team took the medical records of 1,140 children from the time of their birth. Of these, 41 who had developed food allergies before their second birthday and 82 who had not developed it were selected to compare the diets they had followed.
When analyzing the data, it was observed that the introduction of solid foods before 17 weeks is related to an increased risk of developing allergies, Grimshaw points out.
Another conclusion of the research is that children who stop drinking breast milk to drink cow’s milk also increase the chances of developing allergies.
Exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months and complementary up to two years
The study’s recommendations coincide with those of the World Health Organization. This body maintains that exclusive breastfeeding should last for 6 months as “it is the optimal form of feeding for infants.” Subsequently, complementary foods are introduced without abandoning breastfeeding up to 2 years or more.
However, the WHO recommendations are little followed. In Spain, only 28% of babies reach 6 months with exclusive breastfeeding. There are no data on babies who continue to take breast milk as a complementary food for up to two years, but there are certainly very few.
References:
Kate Grimshaw et al. Introduction of Complementary Foods and the Relationship to Food Allergy. Paediatrics
Kate Grimshaw et al. Modifying the infant’s diet to prevent food allergy. Archives of diseases in childhood.
