Fast food may negate anti-asthma benefits of breast-feeding
While many studies have shown that breastfeeding reduces the chances of children developing asthma, a new study led by a University of Alberta professor has found that eating fast food more than once or twice a week negated the benefits of breastfeeding.
Several different findings led researchers to make links between fast food and asthma, breastfeeding and asthma and all three together.
According to Dr. Anita Kozyrski, the senior author of a related article published in an international journal based in London, England, breastfeeding for too short a time was linked to a higher risk of asthma, or conversely children breastfed exclusively for 12 weeks or longer as infants had a lower risk.
This benefit, however, was seen only in children who did not eat fast food, or who only ate it occasionally.
The study suggests that the prevalence of fast food in today’s society may explain why asthma rates keep rising even though more mothers are breastfeeding. While there is no clear-cut reason for the link, researchers suggest that high fat content and salt levels may be to blame.
Kozyrskyi was recruited to the University of Alberta from the University of Manitoba to assume the position of Research Chair, Maternal Health and the Environment. Her study was conducted while at Manitoba with Dr. Allen Becker. Together, they examined 700 Manitoba children, about 250 of whom had asthma and 475 of whom did not. They noted that nutrition is only one of the many factors involved in asthma. They do, however, hope that the study will stimulate other researchers to follow up with related, more in depth research.
Other interesting research conducted by Kozyryski in the past year suggested that girls who do not drink enough milk and are overweight may be at greater risk for asthma.
She was also part of the team whose research found a link between antibiotics administered in a child’s first 12 months and an increased risk of asthma.
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