Contents:
- Medical Video: Breastfeeding Position and Latch
- Formula milk babies are more susceptible to illness in the first year
- Diseases that may occur in infant formula milk
- 1. Infection of the digestive tract
- 2. Lower respiratory tract infections
- 3. Otitis media
- 4. Obesity and metabolic diseases
Medical Video: Breastfeeding Position and Latch
World health institutions, such as the WHO, and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia recommend that every baby be given exclusive breastfeeding until the first 6 months of life. This is a suggestion because breast milk is the best food for babies and has many health benefits for babies. Then, what about babies who are not breastfed and given formula milk instead? Is it true that formula milk babies are more susceptible to illness?
Formula milk babies are more susceptible to illness in the first year
A study states that infants who consume formula milk have a higher likelihood of illness than babies who are breastfed. Infant formula milk has a higher risk of infectious diseases in the first year of life. Why?
This can be attributed to immunity factors contained in breast milk. Immune cells found in certain parts of the mother's body will move to the breast glands and produce specific IgA antibodies that can enhance the baby's immunity. This makes breastfeeding babies more protected from infectious diseases, such as influenza, diarrhea, respiratory infections, and others. Not only that, giving breast milk to babies can also prevent allergies and protect babies from a number of chronic diseases.
Meanwhile, formula milk certainly does not have an immune function. In formula milk there are no antibodies that can protect babies from disease. This makes infant formula milk have a lower immune capacity than breastfed babies, making it more susceptible to illness.
Diseases that may occur in infant formula milk
Because of the absence of antibodies to formula milk, babies who are not at all given ASI lose the opportunity to increase their immunity. This certainly makes infant formula milk more vulnerable to illness. Some diseases that may occur frequently in infant formula milk are:
1. Infection of the digestive tract
Several studies have shown that infant formula milk has a higher risk for gastroenteritis and diarrhea. Research conducted by Chien and Howie showed that infants fed formula milk were 2.8 times more likely to develop gastrointestinal infections (attacking the stomach and intestines), than babies who received exclusive breastfeeding.
2. Lower respiratory tract infections
Research by Bachrach and colleagues showed that infants who were not breastfed at the age of their early life had a 3.6 times greater risk of developing lower respiratory infections at the beginning of their first year of life. This is different from babies who are exclusively breastfed for more than 4 months after birth.
The study explains that the fat content in breast milk seems to be able to block RSV virus activity (respiratory syncytial virus) which can cause infection in the lungs and airways.
3. Otitis media
Otitis media is an infection that occurs in the middle ear. About 44% of babies can experience otitis media in the first year of life. The risk of the baby experiencing this infection is increased in formula-fed infants with milk bottles compared to infants who are given exclusive breastfeeding. Fluid in the baby's throat that often feeds the bottle can reach the middle ear easily so that it can cause infection.
4. Obesity and metabolic diseases
Some studies have shown that children who were given formula milk (not breast milk) tended to be more fat in their adult years. Other studies also say that formula-fed babies have a 1.6-fold greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes than breast-fed babies. This may be caused by the content of formula milk which is different from breast milk, infant feeding, feeding practices, and other lifestyle factors.
