Protective effect of breast milk against pneumonia is greatest for young infants

Protective effect of breast milk against pneumonia is greatest for young infants

Breast feeding protects against pneumonia especially in the youngest infants. On p 1316 César et al show that in Brazil, infantswho were not breast fed were 17 times more likely than those whowere to be admitted to a hospital for pneumonia. Among infantsunder 3 months old the relative risk was 61, decreasing to 10thereafter. Infants who received solid supplements were 13 timesmore likely to be admitted than those who did not. The authorssuggest that these results may be used for targeting interventioncampaigns at the mothers of very young infants and for recommendingthe timely introduction of supplementaryfoods.