LLLI Center for Breastfeeding Information

Journal Abstract of the Month for November 2001

"Host defense benefits of breastfeeding for the infant" by M. Jane Heinig. Published in Pediatric Clinics of North America 2001-2;48(1):105-23

It has become evident that the relationship between breastfeeding and infection is affected not only by breastfeeding, but also how the child is fed. Heinig reviews many articles pertinent to specific illnesses, the host properties of human milk, and finds that a dose response effect of breastfeeding suggests that a level of breastfeeding is necessary to confer protection. Protection against infectious illness is greatest with greater intensity of breastfeeding, even among affluent populations. Furthermore, breastfeeding protects infants against illness beyond the age of weaning.

This will be categorized in the following subject categories:
Human Milk, Immune Factors, Exclusive Breastfeeding, Advantages, Epidemiology, UTI,
Respiratory Problems, Otitis Media, Virus Trans/Miscellaneous, Insurance/HMOs