Prolonged Duration Of Breastfeeding Research Articles

The association of breastfeeding duration on metabolic syndrome among children and adolescents, stratified by birth weight for gestational age.

This study aimed to examine the associations between breastfeeding duration and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adolescents and to further investigate the role of birth weight for gestational age (GA) on these associations. A total of 10 275 participants aged 7 to 18 years were included applying multistage cluster random sampling from a Chinese national survey. Birth weight was classified into small for GA (SGA), appropriate for GA (AGA) and large for GA (LGA). Information was collected through a self-administered questionnaire, physical examination and blood biochemical examination. Multivariable linear regression, logistic regression models, restricted cubic spline models were applied to assess the relationships of breastfeeding duration and MetS with different birth weight for GA. The prevalence of non-breastfeeding, 0-5, 6-12 and >12 months groups were 16.2%, 23.1%, 42.5% and 18.2%, and the prevalence of SGA and LGA was 11.9% and 12.7%, respectively. Prolonged breastfeeding duration was associated with higher odds of MetS (β: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.13), WC (β: 3.49, 95% CI: 2.82, 4.16) and SBP (β: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.80, 2.89). SGA and prolonged breastfeeding synergistically increased MetS risks, but LGA appeared to offset the adverse effects of prolonged breastfeeding. Prolonged breastfeeding may increase children's MetS risks. SGA synergies with prolonged breastfeeding increased MetS burden in children and adolescents, while LGA mitigated the risks. This reminds us that intensive attention should be paid to both early birth weight and subsequent living environment for children and adolescents' lifelong health.

Breastfeeding Duration Is Associated with the Risk of Tooth Loss, Chewing Difficulty, and Undernutrition among Older Korean Women: Results of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2013-2015.

We investigated whether older Korean women with prolonged breastfeeding duration have an increased risk of tooth loss, chewing difficulty, or undernutrition, as well as whether tooth loss and chewing difficulty mediate the association between breastfeeding duration and undernutrition risk. This study included 1666 women aged ≥65 years from the 2013-2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey who breastfed after delivery. The number of teeth and chewing ability were investigated based on the status of individual teeth and a self-report questionnaire, respectively. Dietary intake was estimated using the 24 h recall method. Compared with women who breastfed for 1-18 months, the odds ratios for tooth loss were 1.16 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.69-1.94), 1.79 (95% CI = 1.08-2.94), and 1.86 (95% CI = 1.16-2.97) among women who breastfed for 19-36, 37-72, and ≥73 months, respectively (p for trend = 0.004). Similar results were obtained for chewing difficulty and undernutrition. Furthermore, tooth loss and chewing difficulty partially mediated the association between breastfeeding duration and undernutrition risk. In conclusion, older Korean women who breastfed for longer periods are more likely to experience tooth loss, chewing difficulty, and undernutrition, which are particularly severe among women who breastfed for ≥37 months. The association between breastfeeding duration and undernutrition risk is mediated by tooth loss and chewing difficulty.

Diet and Nutrients Intakes during Infancy and Childhood in Relation to Early Puberty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The onset of puberty has become earlier over the decades, and nutrients and diet are related to the timing of puberty onset. Hence, we aimed to investigate the association between diet or nutrients in infancy, childhood and early puberty. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library were searched systematically up to 15 April 2022. The pooled relative risks (RRs) or regression coefficients (beta) were estimated using the random-effect model or fixed-effect model according to the heterogeneity between studies. Twenty-two articles on diet or nutrients in childhood and six about breastfeeding in infancy were included. The prolonged breastfeeding duration in infancy could reduce the risk of early menarche (beta 0.31, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.60, p = 0.045). The high intake of yogurt was associated with a 35% reduction in the risk of earlier menarche (RR 0.65, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.89, p = 0.008). Girls with severe food insecurity experienced later menarche (RR 0.81, 95% CI: 0.67, 0.98, p = 0.027). Conversely, due to the high intake of protein, the risk of early menarche increased by 8% (RR 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.16, p = 0.016). High intake of yogurt, longer duration of breastfeeding, and food insecurity decreased the possibility of earlier menarche, while high intake of protein increased that risk. As a modifiable factor, diet and nutrients in infancy and childhood provide new insights into the future prevention of early puberty.

Prevalence and associated factors of metabolic body size phenotype in children and adolescents: A national cross-sectional analysis in China.

BackgroundMetabolically healthy obesity (MHO) is a group of subjects with overweight/obesity who present a metabolically healthy profile; however, associated factors are complex and are far from completely understood. The aim of the current study was to estimate the prevalence of different metabolic body size phenotypes and investigate the associated factors in Chinese children and adolescents.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted of 12,346 children and adolescents aged 7–18 years from seven provinces in China in 2013. Anthropometric, blood pressure, and biochemical measurements were obtained. A multi-component questionnaire covering demographic, neonatal, and lifestyle characteristics was administered. The classification of metabolic body size phenotype based on three definitions was compared. With metabolically healthy with normal weight (MHNW) as a reference group, logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the potential effects of associated risk factors, with adjustment for age, sex, single-child status, and residence area.ResultsThe prevalence of MHNW, MHO, metabolically unhealthy with normal weight (MUNW), and metabolically unhealthy overweight/obesity (MUO) phenotype was 68.6%, 2.0%, 26.4%, and 3.0%, respectively. There were 39.3% MHO and 60.7% MUO among obese participants and 72.2% MHNW and 27.8% MUNW among those with normal weight. Compared to cardiometabolic risk factor (CMRF) criteria and metabolic syndrome (MetS) component definition, the application of the 2018 consensus-based definition may identify more children with abnormal cardiovascular risks, independent of weight status. Compared to younger children, older-aged adolescents were positively associated with higher risks of MUNW (odds ratio (OR) = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.27–1.50) and MUO (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.04–1.60), while factors positively associated with MHO were younger age, single-child status, urban residence, high birth weight, prolonged breastfeeding duration, parental overweight/obesity status, long screen time, and less physical activity.ConclusionThere were still a high proportion of children and adolescents at high cardiometabolic risk in China. Our findings reinforce the need for cardiometabolic risk prevention in children and adolescents irrespective of their weight statuses, such as parental educational programs and healthy lifestyle interventions.

Early breast expression for very low birth infants admitted to neonatal intensive care unit: the challenges of cesarean deliveries

Aim of the study In preterm infants, the use of human milk is associated with unique benefits. However, successful breast feeding rates and prolonged breastfeeding duration is often reduced in preterm infants. Nevertheless, early initiation of breast expression after birth is believed to be one of the major variables that should improve the odds of successful breastfeeding. Hence, we aimed to assess correlation between timing of milk expression initiation and volume produced in regards to mode-of-delivery. Materials and methods Prospective, observational study. Mothers delivering infants weighing < 1500 g measured 24-h milk volumes on days 1–7, 14, and 21. Results Mothers delivering vaginally (N = 11) expressed milk sooner (3.82 ± 5.03 h) than mothers in the cesarean group (N = 42; 11.5 ± 9.1 h). There were no significant differences in daily number of expressions (i.e. day 1 3.6 ± 1.6 versus 2.5 ± 2.1, p = .125) or daily volume (i.e. day 1 – 7.5 ± 6.1 ml versus 11.6 ± 22.9 ml, p = .563), until day 6 from which, both were lower in the cesarean group (i.e. day 21 – number − 6.0 ± 1.3 versus 4.6 ± 1.7, p = .029; volume – 796 ± 465ml versus 435 ± 368ml, p = .018). Expressed volume initially did not correlate with earlier expression, however, latter expressed volume inversely correlated with earlier expression. In multivariate-analysis, mode of delivery, gestational age, and daily number of expressions were correlated with volumes on day 21 (p = .001). Conclusions Earlier human-milk expression is related to volumes on the second and the third week of lactation. This is overwhelmed by delivery mode, and by frequent milk expression from day 2. When early milk expression is not possible, more frequent milk expression might help increasing volumes.

The Association between Breastfeeding Duration and Lipid Profile among Children and Adolescents.

To investigate the relationship between breastfeeding duration and lipid profile among children and adolescents, a cross-sectional survey using random cluster sampling was performed, and a national sample of 12,110 Chinese children and adolescents aged 5–19 years were collected. Breastfeeding duration and sociodemographic factors were collected by questionnaires. Fasting blood samples were obtained to test the lipid profile. Linear regression and logistic regression models were employed to evaluate the association between breastfeeding duration and lipid profile. We found that prolonged breastfeeding was related with a low level of total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, HDL-C, and TC/HDL-C in children and adolescents. With an increased duration of breastfeeding, the magnitude of the association between breastfeeding and lipid profile enlarged. The levels of TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, and TC/HDL-C in participants who were breastfed for more than 12 months decreased by 6.225 (95% CI: −8.390, −4.059), 1.956 (95% CI: −3.709, −0.204), 1.273 (95% CI: −2.106, −0.440) mg/dL, and 0.072 (95%CI: −0.129, −0.015), respectively, compared with those who were not breastfed. The corresponding risk of high TC declined by 43% (aOR: 0.570, 95% CI: 0.403, 0.808). The association was similar in both boys and girls, but only statistically significant in children and young adolescents aged 5–14 years. This suggested that prolonged breastfeeding duration was related with low lipid levels and decreased abnormal lipid risk, especially in children and young adolescents. These findings support the intervention of prompting a prolonged duration of breastfeeding to improve the childhood lipid profile.

Developing a Cohort Web Application: Real-time Monitoring of Breastfeeding Indicators

Investing in the development of methodologies for timely intervention in breastfeeding practices that provide improved indicators and prolong breastfeeding duration positively impacts the health of women and children. Aim: To develop children cohort data capture interface of a national reference institution for high foetal, neonatal and child risk from birth, covering all hospitalisation up to the second year of life for real-time monitoring of breastfeeding indicators and prevalence. Methods: Four primary criteria were considered: data security (specific permissions for different profiles and encryption of sensitive data), researcher time streamlining, data quality and construction of data export auxiliary tools. Results: A web-based tool for data collection using a mobile device or computer was developed. The tool successfully allowed the ongoing collection for a defined population cohort of measures related to breastfeeding: maternal factors, child-related factors, health service issues, nipple use, introduction of fluids and other processed foods, as well as breastfeeding practice. Conclusion: The developed product enables the validated extraction and collation of data from existing electronic records and other sources for the monitoring of breastfeeding practices. Such data can be used to refine guidelines and individual behaviour to maximise the benefits of breastfeeding and avoid early weaning.

Model of stunting determinants: A systematic review

This study aimed to determine the factors associated with stunting base on modeling inferential analysis. This systematic review was conducted using the 2015 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The computerized bibliographic databases searched were Scopus, PubMed, and Google Schoolar. The included studies were rated using eight quality-appraisal criteria derived from the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist: sample size, sampling methodology, response rate, outcome measures, statistical analyses, control for confounding, study limitation, and ethical consideration. As many as 12 of 5690 articles met our inclusion criteria for review. The most consistent factors associated with childhood stunting were: low mother's education, increasing child's age, male sex, poor household, prolonged breastfeeding duration, low birth weight, mother's age (<20 years), drinking water source (unimproved), low mother's BMI (<18.5), diarrhoeal episode, low father's education and residence (rural). The factors that predispose a child to stunting are multifactors. Various factors causing stunting on children can be avoided through a holistic multi-strategy community-based approach.

Dietary risk factors for childhood asthma in a semi-urban area of South India: A cross-sectional study

Background: Although inhaled allergens are more likely to trigger asthma than food allergens, global trends of asthma prevalence emphasize the role of changing dietary habits in modulating the inflammatory mediators involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. Objective: The objective of the study was to identify the dietary risk factors associated with childhood asthma in a semi-urban region of South India. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study done at a medical college hospital in South India from October 2016 to January 2017. After obtaining the Ethical Committee approval, children aged 3–15 years attending the pediatric outpatient department were enrolled in the study. Parents were interviewed with a precoded Food Frequency Questionnaire. Details regarding common dietary practices followed at home, frequency of consumption of specific food groups and history of food allergy were obtained. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: Among 500 subjects, 293 (58.6%) children had physician-diagnosed asthma. Duration of breastfeeding was &lt;1 year (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.35–2.99); frequent intake of fast food (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.61–4.52), usage of coloring agents and taste enhancers in cooking (OR 3.93, 95% CI 1.53–10.06), and history of allergy to specific foods (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.42–3.45) were found to be independent risk factors for childhood asthma. The absence of fish in the diet was significantly associated with increased risk of asthma (OR 1.50, 1.04–2.15) and non-vegetarians were at lesser risk (OR 0.43, 0.24–0.76) of developing asthma. Conclusion: Prolonged duration of breastfeeding (&gt;1 year), restriction of fast food, and avoidance of food additives decrease the risk of asthma in children. Non-vegetarian diet with the inclusion of fish offers a protective effect against asthma. Early identification and appropriate management of coexisting food allergies in children with asthma are necessary.

Breastfeeding and Its Effect on Fetal Health from the First Hour of a Baby's Life

Breast milk provides all of the nutrients an infant needs for the first six months. Additionally, it has immunological properties that protect infants against common diseases, such as diarrhea and pneumonia, which are important causes of infant morbidity and mortality. Breastfeeding also presents advantages to the mother's health, increasing the postpartum infertility period, helping them return to their pregestational weight, and reducing their risk of developing breast. Despite its recognized benefits, the practice of breastfeeding, in the majority of countries, is still below the recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Regarding promotion of breastfeeding, the WHO recommends placing newborns in direct contact with their mothers immediately after birth for at least one hour, and encourage the mother to initiate breastfeeding as soon as the newborn is ready, offering help if necessary. This recommendation is based on the newborn's stronger aptitude in spontaneously searching for the nipple area and initiating breastfeeding during this period, contributing to the establishment of exclusive maternal breastfeeding. Breastfeeding in the first hour of life is associated with prolonged duration of breastfeeding and reduction of infant mortality, especially in low-income countries.

Does exclusive breastfeeding relate to the longer duration of breastfeeding? A prospective cohort study

ObjectivesSuboptimal breastfeeding contributes to morbidity and mortality in children. Studies in high-income countries (HICs) show that exclusive-breastfeeding (EBF) is associated with longer breastfeeding duration. The aim of this study was to determine whether maternal reports of EBF at six months are associated with longer duration of breastfeeding during the first two years of life in a low and middle-income country (LMIC) setting, and to identify determinants of breastfeeding duration. MethodsThis prospective cohort includes data from an EBF promotion program in Demak District, Central Java Province, Indonesia, with a non-randomized pretest-posttest control group. Mothers and infants were followed through 26 months postnatal age. Data were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard regression with time to cessation of EBF as the outcome. ResultsA total of 147 families were included in the study. Longer EBF duration was not associated with prolonged duration of breastfeeding. Longer breastfeeding duration was associated with mothers who disagreed with a statement of being ashamed to breastfeed (HR 0.035, 95%CI 0.003,0.44). Risk factors for shorter breastfeeding duration included mothers’ plan to breastfeed for less than 24 months (HR 4.28 95%CI 1.91,9.60), mothers’ belief that breastfeeding less than 24 months was the norm (HR 2.98 95%CI 1.31,6.77) and exposure to EBF promotion (HR:4.09 95%CI 2.14,7.82). ConclusionsIn a LMIC community where long breastfeeding duration is common, EBF is not associated with breastfeeding duration. However, modifiable behavioral factors were significant predictors of breastfeeding duration. We therefore recommend that prolonged breastfeeding duration can be achieved through programs that improve breastfeeding behavior.

Can a Call Make a Difference? Measured Change in Women's Breastfeeding Self-efficacy Across Call Interactions on a Telephone Helpline.

Background Telephone helplines providing 24-h specialist-nurse contact present a source of immediate support for women encountering challenges with breastfeeding and may serve to prolong breastfeeding duration by building self-efficacy. To date there is little evidence on interaction effectiveness and still less on the relative effectiveness for women from different socio-economic backgrounds. Research Aim To establish the effect on maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy of calls made to a nurse-led parenting helpline. Methods From a corpus of calls made to the Australian Child Health Line (N = 723), those made by women presenting a breastfeeding concern as a prime issue (n = 60) were scored for breastfeeding self-efficacy at commencement and completion of recorded interactions. Analyses examined the significance and direction of change from beginning to end of calls and compared difference in change across calls originating from high and low social advantage locations. Results A significant increase in self-efficacy was found, but with low effect size. There was considerable variation among calls; 53% showed improvement, 25% showed no change and 22% showed reduction in breastfeeding self-efficacy. While most calls were made by women from socially advantaged locations, change was more positive for the small number of callers from disadvantaged locations. Conclusion The potential of nurse-led reactive telephone support is evident, but dependent on qualities of the interaction. For women living in disadvantaged locations telephone support may be of particular significance given the greater social barriers to breastfeeding they are likely to encounter.

Early life nutrition, glycemic and anthropometric profiles of children exposed to gestational diabetes mellitus in utero

• This study showed that prolonged infant feeding with breast milk, at least >8 months, is associated with lower A1C levels in children exposed to GDM . • Neither exclusive breastfeeding duration nor the timing of solid food introduction was associated with glycemic or anthropometric profile of children. • These results suggest that the impact of in utero exposure to GDM can be partly attenuated by prolonged breastfeeding duration during early life.

Stunting, Wasting and Underweight in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: Child undernutrition is a major public health problem. One third of all undernourished children globally reside in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The aim of this study was to systematically review studies to determine the factors associated with stunting, wasting and underweight in SSA and contribute to the existing body of evidence needed for the formulation of effective interventions. Methods: This systematic review was conducted using the 2015 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Five computerized bibliographic databases were searched: Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Embase. The included studies were rated using eight quality-appraisal criteria derived from the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist: sample size, sampling methodology, response rate, outcome measures, statistical analyses, control for confounding, study limitation, and ethical consideration. Results: Of a total of 2810 articles retrieved from the five databases, 49 studies met our inclusion criteria. The most consistent factors associated with childhood stunting, wasting and underweight in SSA were: low mother’s education, increasing child’s age, sex of child (male), wealth index/SES (poor household), prolonged duration of breastfeeding (>12 months), low birth weight, mother’s age (<20 years), source of drinking water (unimproved), low mother’s BMI (<18.5), birth size (small), diarrhoeal episode, low father’s education and place of residence (rural). Conclusions: The factors that predispose a child to undernutrition are multisectoral. To yield a sustainable improvement in child nutrition in SSA, a holistic multi-strategy community-based approach is needed that targets the factors associated with undernutrition, thereby setting the region on the path to achieving the WHO global nutrition target by 2025.

Factors associated with early initiation of breastfeeding among mothers of tribal area of Madhya Pradesh, India: a community based cross sectional study

Background: The World Health Organization recommends that all neonates be breastfed within one hour of birth. Breastfeeding in the first hour of life is associated with prolonged duration of breastfeeding and reduction of infant mortality . Present study was conducted with the objective to assess the prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding and factors associated with early initiation of breast feeding in tribal area of Madhya Pradesh. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study carried in tribal area of Madhya Pradesh. A total of 210 mother- infant pairs who delivered in last one year were selected for study by “30 cluster sampling method” in Nainpur block of Mandla district. Results: Among 210 mother- infant pairs, 82.4% mothers were 15-24 years with mean age 23.2 ± 3.79 years and the early initiation of breastfeeding were found only in 38.6%. The education and occupation of mothers, education of husband, income, counseling of mother during antenatal visits about need of breast feeding, hospital delivery, delivery conducted by trained person and mother who received Post natal advice were significantly associated with early initiation of breastfeeding . Conclusions: All mothers should be counselled during antenatal care visit about initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth with identifying and giving further follow up to those mothers at higher risk of not initiating timely breastfeeding.

Breast feeding and infant feeding practices among rural mothers in Goa

Background: Breast feeding in India is universal. Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood illnesses (IMNCI) strategy recommended systematic assessment of breastfeeding and emphasized counseling of mothers, but the initiation of breast feeding is late and the colostrum is discarded. The aim of the study was to study infant feeding practices among rural Goan mothers, the various socio demographic factors influencing these feeding practices and study the practices among rural mothers towards health care of their children. Methods: A cross sectional study was done among 307 rural mothers with children < 2 years in the rural community under rural Health Training Centre Mandur which is located 16 kilometres from the capital city of Panaji, by doing a house to house oral interview. Analysis of collected data was done using SPSS and Chi-square test was applied in addition to proportions and percentages. Results: Around 46.25% of the mothers fed colostrum to their newborns and 73.62 % of the mothers’ breastfed within 24 hours of birth. 37.59% of the mothers practiced exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months. The association between literacy and prolonged duration of breastfeeding was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). Cereal based diet was the commonest complementary feeding administered by 23% of the mothers. Conclusions: The overall awareness about infant feeding practices such as early initiation of breastfeeding and feeding of colostrum among mothers was low despite the study area having quality antenatal and neonatal services.

Determinants of plasma PCB, brominated flame retardants, and organochlorine pesticides in pregnant women and 3 year old children in The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study

BackgroundExposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) during prenatal and postnatal life has been extensively studied in relation to adverse health effects in children. ObjectivesThe aim was to identify determinants of the concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), brominated flame retardants (polybrominated diphenyl ethers, PBDEs; polybrominated biphenyl, PBB), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in blood samples from pregnant women and children in The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). MethodsBlood samples were collected from two independent subsamples within MoBa; a group of women (n=96) enrolled in mid-pregnancy during the years 2002–2008 and a group of 3 year old children (n=99) participating during 2010–2011. PCB congeners (74, 99, 138, 153, 180, 170, 194, 209, 105, 114, 118, 156, 157, 167, and 189), brominated flame retardants (PBDE-28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154, and PBB-153), as well as the OCPs hexachlorobenzene (HCB), oxychlordane, 4,4′dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and 4,4′dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) were measured in both pregnant women and children. ResultsAge, low parity, and low pre-pregnant BMI were the most important determinants of increased plasma concentrations of POPs in pregnant women. In 3 year old children, prolonged breastfeeding duration was a major determinant of increased POP concentrations. Estimated dietary exposure to PCBs during pregnancy was positively associated with plasma concentrations in 3 year old children, but not in pregnant women. Plasma concentrations were approximately 40% higher in children compared to pregnant women. ConclusionsSeveral factors associated with exposure and toxicokinetics, i.e. accumulation, excretion and transfer via breastmilk of POPs were the main predictors of POP levels in pregnant women and children. Diet, which is the main exposure source for these compounds in the general population, was found to predict PCB levels only among children. For the PBDEs, for which non-dietary sources are more important, toxicokinetic factors appeared to have less predictive impact.

Prolonged duration of breastfeeding does not affect lipid profile in adulthood.

The Hertfordshire study suggested that age of weaning and methods of infant feeding may influence adult serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and mortality from ischemic heart disease in men. Although breastfeeding <1 year appeared to be protective compared with formula, prolonged breastfeeding (>1 year) was associated with increased LDL-C and mortality. This study tested the effect of breastfeeding duration on lipid profile in young adults. Adult volunteers whose mothers could recall the age at which their child was weaned were recruited. We excluded patients with known dyslipidemia, dyslipidemia in a first-degree relative, obesity (body mass index [BMI] >30 kg/m(2)), pregnant or within 3 months of a previous pregnancy, subjects taking medications that may affect lipid profile, or subjects with a chronic medical condition. Nutritional questionnaires and number of weekly hours of exercise were recorded. Lipid profiles were obtained after a night fast. The three groups (no breastfeeding, breastfeeding 0-6 months, or breastfeeding >9 months) did not differ in terms of age, gender, BMI, level of education, amount of exercise, and dietary style. By stepwise background multiple regression analysis taking into account exercise, nutritional habitus, age, BMI, gender, and socioeconomic status, blood lipids were not affected by duration of breastfeeding. Duration of breastfeeding does not affect lipid profiles in young adults. These findings do not support negative messages on the long-term effect of prolonged lactation generated by the Hertfordshire study.

Does Infants Feeding Contribute to Childhood Obesity?

Objective: to establish an association between breastfeeding and its duration versus artificial feeding in relation to later on childhood obesity in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 2014-2015 among children aged 2-12 years old. The participants were directed to an ambulatory clinic in King Abdulaziz Hospital where they had their anthropometric measurements taken. A total of 521 children (283 male and 238 female) provided complete data for the analysis. Results: There was no significant association found between breastfeeding and a higher BMI or weight, however, there was a significant association between artificial feeding and a higher waist to hip ratio (P value= .030). Also, appetite had a P-value=0.0001, which signifies a relation between BF and appetite, 117 children (36.4%) were breastfed and they have decreased appetite, while 93 (29.0%) were breastfed and had an increased appetite. As for the duration, males who have been breastfed for a complete two years were 30 and who have been breastfeed for 18 months were 15, breastfed for one year were 33, but 72 males were breastfed for less than a year. Conclusion: While there was no significant association found between breastfeeding and a higher BMI or weight, however, there was a significant association between artificial feeding and a higher waist to hip ratio; Which entails a higher risk for cardiopulmonary disease. Also, appetite control in breastfed infants had a significant effect, which indicates that there is an inverse relation between breastfeeding and appetite. As for the duration, prolonged duration of breastfeeding had a more protective effect on obesity.

The prevalence of early childhood caries and its associated risk factors among preschool children referred to a tertiary care institution.

The aim was to determine the prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) and its association with infant feeding and oral health-related behavior among preschool children aged 6-71 months in Lagos. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study in which 302 children aged 6-71 months were selected from four pediatric outpatient clinics in Lagos, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, breast and bottle feeding, birth weight of child and socioeconomic status of the family, from mothers of the children. The status of dental caries was recorded according to the World Health Organization criteria. The prevalence of ECC among 302 children aged 6-71 months was 21.2% while the mean deft was 0.735. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the correlation of ECC with the associated risk factors. ECC was significantly higher in children who were bottle-fed at night. Method of tooth cleaning other than using fluoridated toothpaste significantly increased the prevalence of ECC. Breastfeeding for duration of 3-6 months showed significantly lesser caries prevalence. Caries significantly increased with age. Early childhood caries is a multifactorial disease in which prolonged duration of breastfeeding, nocturnal bottle feeding, and use of cleaning methods other than fluoridated toothpaste are risk factors for ECC. Oral health promotion programs should be targeted at mothers, pediatricians, nurses, caretakers at day care centers and primary care health workers.