Breastfeeding and Allergies – New Study Reveals Interesting Data

Physicians from Atlanta Allergy & Asthma attended the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology this past weekend in San Antonio.

Thousands of allergy experts from around the world gathered to participate in the five days of important information and essential research. These national meetings serve as a forum for new scientific knowledge, ideas, and experiences that help your doctors provide optimal care for allergic, asthmatic, and immunologic diseases.

A new study presented at the meeting challenged the long-held belief that breastfeeding reduced the risk of allergic rhinitis, asthma, food allergies and eczema in children. Although breastfeeding is still recommended for babies in their first year of life, the data showed no significant difference in allergies found between children who were ever breast fed and those formula fed. This information may give reassurance to families of formula-fed babies.

The findings are preliminary and additional research is needed, but the new data has sparked discussion. Learn more.

Research from the conference was reference in Time Inc.’s Health.