International Journal of Epidemiology 2003;32:96-98
© International Epidemiological Association 2003
Maternal and Child Health |
Commentary: Breastfeeding and child health, growth, and survival
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McGill University, 1020 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A2, Canada. E-mail: michael.kramer@ mcgill.ca
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Breastfeeding is associated with reduced risks of gastrointestinal and intestinal infections, and of mortality due to those infections.1,2 The protective effect is stronger against gastrointestinal infection than against respiratory infection, and in developing than in developed countries for both types of infection, and increases with the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding. The magnitude of the protective effect wanes with age: highest in the first 3–6 months and diminishing thereafter when complementary foods are introduced in addition to breast milk, but continuing into the second year of life.1,2 The introduction of complementary foods and complete weaning (the cessation of any breastfeeding) are gradual and complex processes,