Australian researchers are urging newborns to be fed breast milk during the first three days of life to reduce the risk of food allergies. Despite claims by formula manufacturers, studies consistently highlight the benefits of breastfeeding, including essential nutrients, immune protection, and digestive support for infants.
A new study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that infants fed formula during the first three days were 2.48 times more likely to develop food allergies within the first year compared to those given colostrum (the first breast milk). Colostrum is rich in proteins, immunities, and microbiota, offering stronger protection than formula.
The study, led by the University of Western Australia’s Maneshwar Bhasin, involved data from nearly 700 infants. It emphasized the critical role of early breastfeeding in preventing food allergies, particularly in the first three days of life.
Previous research has also linked formula feeding to increased risks of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants, a severe gastrointestinal condition. This has led to lawsuits against formula manufacturers like Similac and Enfamil, claiming they failed to warn about the risks of NEC.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) supports breastfeeding as the primary nutrition for newborns, citing its long-term health benefits, including reducing the risk of asthma in preterm infants.
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