Study Finds Mixed Associations Between Breastfeeding and Childhood Allergies
-Six months of exclusive breastfeeding was associated with a higher prevalence of food allergy and atopic dermatitis-
Summary
To examine the impact of breastfeeding on food allergy, researchers at the University of Toyama analyzed data from more than 88,000 children followed from birth to 6 years of age. They compared childhood allergies among those who were exclusively breastfed, partly breastfed, or formula-fed during their first 6 months. They found that exclusive breastfeeding was associated with lower prevalence of bronchial asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis but higher prevalence of food allergy and atopic dermatitis.
- Image title： Examining the influence of breastfeeding on childhood allergies
- Image caption： Using data from 88,037 mother–infant pairs, the study found that exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life was associated with a lower prevalence of bronchial asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis but a higher prevalence of food allergy—particularly in male infants—and atopic dermatitis.
- Credit： Professor Emeritus Hidekuni Inadera from University of Toyama, Japan
- License type： Original content
- Usage restrictions： Cannot be used without permission.
Research Details
Mapping the Risk Factors for Mother-Infant Bonding Disorder[PDF, 1.5MB]
Reference
Title of original paper
Association of breastfeeding with caregiver-reported physician-diagnosed allergies in children: the Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Journal
BMC Pediatrics
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-026-06864-w
Additional information for EurekAlert
Latest Article Publication Date
21 April 2026
Method of Research
Observational study
Subject of Research
People
Conflicts of Interest Statement
The authors declare no competing interests.
Media contact
Azusa Matsuda
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