Exclusive Breastfeeding and Vitamin D Supplementation: A Positive Synergistic Effect on Prevention of Childhood Infections?
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the benefits of breastfeeding for infant health, particularly its role in reducing infection risk and nutrient adequacy, while highlighting the need for vitamin D supplementation.
Results Summary
Breastfeeding is associated with reduced risk of viral and bacterial infections and provides optimal nutrients for infant growth, except for vitamin D, which requires supplementation during the first year to prevent deficiency.
Population
Infants, particularly those exclusively breastfed.
Effective Dosage
Vitamin D supplementation recommended (specific dosage not provided).
Duration
First year of life.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Breastfeeding | decrease | viral and bacterial infections | infants | - | has been associated with a reduced risk | #1 |
Breast milk | neutral | nutrients needed to promote infant growth | infants | - | contains the perfect amount | #2 |
exclusive breastfeeding | increase | vitamin D deficiency | infants | - | is a risk factor for | #3 |
vitamin D supplementation | decrease | vitamin D deficiency | infants | - | should be supplemented | #4 |
Human milk is the best food for infants. Breastfeeding has been associated with a reduced risk of viral and bacterial infections. Breast milk contains the perfect amount of nutrients needed to promote infant growth, except for vitamin D. Vitamin D is crucial for calcium metabolism and bone health, and it also has extra-skeletal actions, involving innate and adaptive immunity. As exclusive breastfeeding is a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency, infants should be supplemented with vitamin D at least during the first year. The promotion of breastfeeding and vitamin D supplementation represents an important objective of public health.