BENEFITS OF BREAST FEEDING FOR EARLY GROWTH AND LONG TERM OBESITY: A SUMMARIZED REVIEW

Abstract

Breastfeeding is one of the most important determinants of child survival, birth spacing, and prevention of childhood infections. Breastfeeding brings clear short-term benefits for child health by reducing mortality and morbidity from infectious diseases. In humans, the influence of early nutrition on long-term adiposity has focused on the possible protective role of breastfeeding.  The importance of breastfeeding has been emphasized in various studies.¹ The importance of exclusive breastfeeding and the immunological and nutritional values of breast milk has been demonstrated.² The beneficial effects of breastfeeding depend on breastfeeding initiation, its duration, and the age at which the breast-fed child is weaned. Breastfeeding practices vary among different regions and communities. In India, breastfeeding in rural areas appears to be shaped by the beliefs of a community, which are further influenced by social, cultural, and economic factors. However, breast milk is the best source of nutrition for the newborn, whether breastfeeding has long-term health benefits remains controversial.³ At present mostly studies related to the same concept of breastfeeding are presented in a frame of systematic review. This is a first review of summary designed to discuss the conclusion of the literature present on the protection of breastfeeding against later obesity and growth acceleration of a child.