General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: So, why the rise in peanut allergies anyway? [View all]Tree-Hugger
(3,370 posts)There are many formula fed children who never get sick. There are many breastfed babies who do get sick. However, the fact remains that breastfeeding is more beneficial than formula feeding as a whole. There are risks associated with not breastfeeding for both mothers and babies.
This is NOT an indictment of those who formula feed.
There are studies now and then which suggest that breastfeeding may help lower the incidence of allergies or asthma.
There are also theories out there that allergies may be due to poor gut function and poor absorption and breastfeeding has long been known to promote healthy and proper gut function.
There will always be folks who say, "I was formula fed and I am fine," or, "I was breastfed and I have allergies." Or there's me - I was breastfed and I do not have allergies of any sort. My two breastfed children do not have any allergies. There will always be anecdotal experiences that are counter to the norm.
I don't think breastfeeding is a magic bullet for allergies. I think the issue of allergies is more complex. However, I do believe breastfeeding has the potential to be more helpful to that issue than not.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2812877/