Does breastfeeding protect children from asthma? Analysis of NHANES III survey data

We sought to determine whether breastfeeding (yes/no) or its duration prote cts against the development of childhood asthma, its severity or age of ons et. We conducted a secondary analysis of youth files of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (1988-94), and reviewed data from 678 3 children age 2 months to 6 years (3,316 breastfed), excluding children wi th a history of low birth weight or treatment in a neonatal intensive care unit. Study participants were breastfed an average of 157 days. The average age a t onset of asthma was 14.3 months. In the logistic regression model, "ever breast-fed" was not a significant protective Factor for developing asthma. Significant predictive factors were the mother's age at child's birth (beta = -0.08, p < 0.01), and a parent having asthma or hayfever (beta = 0.46, p < 0.01). In the linear regression model, the duration of breastfeeding was not a predictor for age at onset of asthma (beta = 0.01, p = 0.53). Only m aternal smoking during pregnancy was a significant predictor of age at onse t of asthma (beta = -7.59, p < 0.01). Breastfeeding does not appear to prevent asthma, delay its onset, or reduce its severity. However, breastfeeding is still recommended for its many oth er benefits.