Breastfeeding Beyond Three Months Reduces Infant Asthma Risk, Study Finds

New research highlights the crucial role of breastfeeding in shaping a healthy infant microbiome and supporting respiratory health.

Breastfeeding for more than three months supports the gradual maturation of an infant's gut and nasal microbiome, lowering asthma risk.
Stopping breastfeeding earlier disrupts microbiome development and is linked to a higher risk of preschool asthma.
Breast milk contains complex sugars that promote the growth of specific, beneficial microbes in the infant's gut.
Infants weaned early from breast milk host different microbes, including Ruminococcus gnavus, which is associated with immune system issues and asthma.
The study used data from the CHILD Cohort Study and advanced models to predict asthma risk and understand causal relationships in microbiome development.