Breast Milk (ASI) is a source of nutrition for newborns during the first 6 months. Exclusive breastfeeding is highly recommended because of the myriad of benefits it has. One is to reduce the risk of developing allergies in children in the future.
An infant can be at high risk for allergies due to genetic factors - both from parents and siblings who have a history of allergic diseases. However, infants still have an allergy potential of 5-15% despite having no family history of allergies.
Exclusive breastfeeding and allergies
Breast-feeding relationships with decreased incidence of allergies in infants and children were first studied more than 75 years ago. Since then, various other studies have emerged to examine how breast milk can suppress the development of allergies.
Here are various research results related to the incidence of allergies in infants and children:
Breast milk and atopic dermatitis. The results of various studies show that exclusive breastfeeding at least 3-4 months does not decrease the chances of atopic dermatitis in infants from various risk spectrum.
Breast milk and asthma. The incidence of asthma can be decreased in the first 2 to 5 years of life with exclusive breastfeeding for at least 3-4 months. This protective effect is highly visible in high-risk babies.
Breast milk and allergic rhinitis. The effect of exclusive breastfeeding on the development of allergic rhinitis is controversial. Breast-feeding relationship with reduced risk of allergic rhinitis was found but not significant.
Breast milk and cow's milk allergy. Exclusive breastfeeding for at least 4 months can reduce the incidence of cow milk allergy in the first 18 months of life.
Experts argue that immune factors such as IgA (immunoglobulin A) contained in breast milk also help prevent allergic reactions. Immunogloblin A serves as a mucous membrane membrane of the nose, throat, and intestine baby.
This protective layer works to prevent undigested proteins as well as germs invading these areas and triggering allergies. Not only that, this protection also helps prevent other diseases.
Exclusive breastfeeding for 4-6 months tends to be effective to prevent the development of allergies in the first 2 years of life. This works especially in high-risk babies.
So, exclusive breastfeeding not only protects your baby from allergy attacks. But it can also decrease the incidence and severity of various infectious diseases as well as the incidence of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and high blood pressure later in life.
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