Breast feeding and a nutritional diet up to two years of age can help ward off obesity problems in the future, a new study finds.
Many studies have highlighted the benefits of breastfeeding for babies. However, most of these studies were conducted taking into account factors like social categories, the weight of parents and age of diversification.
INSERM researchers conducted the first study that looked into nutritional intake subsequent to breast-feeding. They found that a nutritional diet along with breast feeding children up to 2 years of age can be very beneficial for them. These health benefits can persist into adulthood.
For the study, researchers analyzed the relationship between breast-feeding and the risk of obesity in adulthood. The ELANCE cohort followed the heath data and diet plans of children born in good health between 1984 and 1985 and registered with the Child Health Assessment Centers. Information on nutritional intakes of the children was gathered when they were 10 months and 2 years old. A follow-up was conducted every two years after that, till the children were 20 years old. At that time, several factors were taken into account like height, weight and body composition.
Researchers found that breast feeding was more effective in warding off obesity problems if it was accompanied by a nutritional diet for children till they were two years old. Researchers also noted that higher fat intake at 2 years is linked to a reduction in fat mass at 20 years.
"Our study has therefore shown, for the first time, that if we take account of diet after the period of breast-feeding, the protective role of breast milk over the risk of obesity is clearly apparent," explained Marie Françoise Rolland-Cachera, former Inserm researcher, in a statement.
Current health recommendations suggest that fats should not be restricted in young children as they have a high energy requirements for growth and rapid development of their nervous system.
"The beneficial effect of breast milk may be masked by a low-fat diet following breast-feeding, while a diet following official recommendations (no restriction in fats before the age of 2-3 years) allows its beneficial effect to appear," said Sandrine Péneau, co-author of this work.
The study was published in the Journal of Pediatrics.
