A total of 150 children were studied up to the age of 17 years to determine the effect on atopic disease of breastfeeding. The subjects were divided into three groups: prolonged (>6 months) intermediate (1-6 months) and short or no (<1 month) breastfeeding. They were followed up at 1, 3, 5, 10 and 17 years. The prevalence of manifest atopy throughout follow-up was highest in the group who had little or no breastfeeding. Breastfeeding for longer than 1 month without other milk supplements was associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of food allergy at 3 years of age, and also respiratory allergy at 17 years of age. Six months of breastfeeding was associated with significantly less eczema during the first 3 years and less substantial atopy in adolescence.
Saarinen UM & Kajosaari M (1995). Breastfeeding as prophylaxis against atopic disease: prospective follow-up study until 17 years old. Lancet 346: 1065-1069. [Abstract]
