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JACI Highlights - June 2007
Mandhane et al - Interactions between breast-feeding, specific parental atopy, and sex on development of asthma and atopy
The influence of breast-feeding on the risk of developing allergic sensitivity (atopy) and asthma in childhood remains controversial. Some studies show that breast-feeding has a protective effect, while others report increased allergy and asthma among breast-fed children. In the June 2007 issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Mandhane and colleagues report that the influence of breast-feeding on the development of atopy and asthma differs by a child's sex and his/her parents' history of allergy. The increase in risk of developing allergy and asthma associated with breastfeeding was most significant among those at lower baseline risk. Although further research is needed, based on these findings it may be important for doctors to inquire about the history of breastfeeding and parents' history of atopy in analyzing risk factors for a child's development of asthma and allergy. However, breastfeeding continues to be encouraged for its many other beneficial effects.
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