Advantages of Breastfeeding During Acute Infections: What The Evidence Says
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Abstract
Purpose of Review
Breastfeeding has been studied for its multiple benefits to both, the infant and the mother. This review aims to expose the benefits of breastfeeding during acute infections, the main cause of morbidity in infants.
Recent Findings
Breastfeeding has the ability to modify the infant’s microbiome, and consequently its immune system. It also protects against viral infections mainly due to oligosaccharides. The longer the duration of breastfeeding, the greater the benefits (benefits have been observed up to 4 years after).
Summary
It has been shown that breastfeeding provides greater benefits when received directly from the breast than from a bottle (expressed breast milk) probably due to the consequences of its handling, and if it is offered exclusively for a minimum of 6 months. Breastfeeding prevents respiratory diseases like asthma, allergies, and syncytial virus infection. It also decreases diarrheas risk and protects against otitis media.
Keywords
Breastfeeding Infant’s acute infection disease Breast milk Benefits of breastfeeding Acute respiratory infections DiarrheaNotes
Compliance with Ethical Standards
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent
This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.
References
Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance
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