Breastfeeding, celiac disease, and gluten:
A review of 6 case-control studies found that a longer duration of breastfeeding was associated with a risk reduction of celiac disease (CD), which is an intestinal intolerance to gluten (found in wheat, rye, barley and oats). Compared to babies not breastfed, breastfeeding at the time of the introduction of gluten into the diet was associated with a 52% reduced risk of CD. (9)
Breastfeeding and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature babies:
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), evidence from 4 randomized clinical trials found that breast milk significantly reduces the rate of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a condition where intestinal tissue dies, in premature babies by 58%. Findings from a more recent study comparing premature babies being fed only breast milk to premature babies on a combined milk diet (breast milk plus cow milk) reported a 77% reduction in NEC (associated with an exclusive breast milk diet). (1)