A recent extensive study from South Korea suggests that children exclusively breastfed for their first four to six months have a lower risk of experiencing early puberty. The study, featured in the latest issue of JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from over 300,000 children between 2007 and 2020, tracking their diets and development from infancy to six years old.
Childhood early puberty, termed “central precocious puberty,” has been on the rise globally and is associated with various health issues in adulthood, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, along with mental health concerns like depression and anxiety. Researchers propose that children exclusively breastfed are less prone to childhood obesity, a significant factor in early puberty onset. However, they emphasize the need for structural support to address the challenges many mothers encounter in breastfeeding.
Experts highlight the numerous health benefits of breastfeeding, noting that it may help prevent childhood obesity, consequently reducing the risk of early puberty. The study found that boys fed solely formula had a 16% higher risk of early puberty compared to those exclusively breastfed, with the risk increasing to 60% for girls fed only formula. Additionally, mixed-fed boys had a 14% higher risk, while girls had a 45% increased risk.
Although the study had limitations, such as self-reported breastfeeding duration by participants and the inability to consider genetic factors, it underscores the critical role of early life stages in determining future health risks. Encouragingly, experts believe that the study’s findings are likely applicable in Canada and stress the importance of preventing early puberty for various reasons, including potential social stigmatization and health implications.
To support mothers and improve child health outcomes, experts suggest a holistic societal approach, including enhanced parental leave policies, workplace breastfeeding accommodations, and lactation support services. Factors like sleep patterns, physical activity, screen time, and environmental pollutants may also contribute to childhood obesity and early puberty rates, requiring further research.
Breastfeeding is just one aspect influencing children’s weight gain, with lifestyle choices like healthy eating habits also playing a crucial role in preventing childhood obesity. While the study does not establish a causal link between formula feeding and early puberty, its robust data set and plausible associations warrant further investigation. Researchers advocate for more extensive studies to confirm these findings and explore genetic influences on precocious puberty.