Effect and Concern of Breastfeeding in Infants

Abstract

Human breast milk is considered the optimal source of nutrition for infants and is recommended as the exclusive nutrient source for term infants during the first six months of life. Existing evidence strongly supports the direct benefits of breastfeeding, encompassing benefits for nutrition, gastrointestinal function, and protection against acute illness in both term and preterm infants. Previously, we demonstrated a notable reduction in a urinary marker of oxidative DNA damage in breastfed term and preterm infants compared to formula-fed infants. While long-term benefits of breastfeeding on neurodevelopmental outcomes and adult health have been reported, the effects may be relatively modest and limited.