Breastfeeding may not protect kids from developing eczema, suggests a novel study. Researchers found infants who were breastfed exclusively for four months or more were prone to develop eczema just as likely to those who weaned in advance. Though, the researchers do not dispute the other benefits which breast milk offers.
They say there is only a small protecting effect against eczema among children who breasted for fewer than four months in developed countries. To analyze the theory experts from King’s College London, the University of Nottingham and the University of Ulm, in Germany examined statistics of more than fifty thousand children aged eight to twelve months.
They evaluate the statistics twenty countries across Europe, Latin America and Asia. The study formed phase two, the largest research project of its type ever undertaken, known as the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood, in which information on eczema, breastfeeding and time of weaning was gathered by parental feedback form.
In study, babies also underwent a skin examination for eczema and skin prick testing to environmental allergens, counting house dust mites. No evidence was found by researchers for a protective effect of breastfeeding and postponed weaning on eczema risk in both developed and developing countries. The report was published online in the British Journal of Dermatology.
The guidelines on breastfeeding relating to eczema should be reviewed. Further studies are needed to discover how and when solids should be introduced alongside breastfeeding to help protection against eczema and other allergic diseases, explained Dr Carsten Flohr, one of the researchers based at King’s College London. The other benefits of breastfeeding on infant health, unrelated to eczema, remain significant.
According to recommendation by the Department of Health, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life with additional breastfeeding while the baby moves on to solids. Subsequent to further studies it may need to review the advice on how long mothers should breastfeed exclusively for, and at what age they should be weaning infants, in relation to eczema prevention, stated Nina Goad, of the British Association of Dermatologists.