Breast feeding and atopic (allergic) diseases:
Breast feeding may improve risk of atopic (allergic) diseases such as asthma and atopic dermatitis (eczema). A review of breast feeding vs. formula on prevention of atopic (allergic) disease: Thygarajan A performed a review clinical trials and studies from 1980 through 2007 on the prevention of atopic (allergy related) disease in infants and children. Researched found that for infants at high risk of developing atopic disease, there is evidence that exclusive breastfeeding for at least 4 months compared with feeding intact cow milk protein formula decreases the cumulative incidence of atopic disease and cow milk allergy in the first 2 years of life. Furthermore, among babies which were breastfed or formula fed exclusively for 4 to 6 months, there is modest evidence that atopic disease may be delayed or prevented by the use of extensively or partially hydrolyzed formulas, compared with cow milk formula, in early childhood. For infants after 4 to 6 months of age, there are insufficient data to support a protective effect of any dietary intervention for the development of atopic disease. (10)