Is exclusive breastfeeding and its duration related to cardio respiratory fitness in childhood?

Abstract

Aims and objective: This study investigated the effect of breastfeeding on cardio respiratory fitness (CRF) in students of Kermanshah, Iran.

Methods and materials: In this retrospective cohort study, 246 students with the mean ± SD age of 7.28 ± 0.50 years, mean breastfeeding ± SD duration of 8.20 ± 10.26 months, and body mass index (BMI) of 16.96 ± 3.03 kg/m² participated. Students had no CVD, liver or kidney diseases. Children were categorized in three groups of over 6 months breast-fed (>6 months group), less than 6 months breast-fed (≤6 months group), and formula group. The physician measured CRF calculating VO₂ max; and reported the results as fitness or no fitness. The probable confounders were gender, BMI, fat-free mass, fat mass, mother’s BMI, dietary Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA) and folate, beginning time of supplementary nutrition, physical activity, and birth weight.

Results: Breastfeeding more than 6 months was positively associated with CRF (p value < 0.001) before and after adjustment for confounders. The risk ratio (RR) of no CRF was 3.22 times more than >6 months group. VO₂ max (ml/kg/min) was significantly the highest in >6 months group (p value = 0.001).

Conclusion: Breastfeeding more than 6 months has positive effects on CRF, and the early nutrition may be a predictor for adolescence physical health.

• Breastfeeding
• cardio respiratory fitness
• nutrition
• students

Declaration of interest

The authors of this study did not have any declaration of interest. All authors take responsibility for all aspects of the reliability and freedom from bias of the data presented and their discussed interpretation.