Ceres
November 6th, 2007, 11:33 AM
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20071106.wxlbreast06/BNStory/Science/home
Two things significant about this: 1) the benefits are seen in ADULTS who were breastfed and 2) the people in the study were breastfed for a little as one month.
The list of health benefits for people who were breastfed as babies is growing, with research unveiled yesterday showing they are more likely as adults to have higher levels of good cholesterol.
Numerous studies have shown babies whose mothers breastfed them enjoy health advantages over formula-fed babies. These include fewer ear, stomach and intestinal infections, fewer digestive problems, skin diseases and allergies, and less likelihood of developing high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.
Now, a study presented at an American Heart Association meeting in Orlando, Fla., found that breastfed babies are better off than bottle-fed babies in two heart disease risk factors as adults - levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and body mass index.
The study looked at 962 people, average age 41, taking part in the long-running Framingham Heart Study centred on Framingham, Mass. About a quarter of the children were breastfed for at least a month as babies.
Two things significant about this: 1) the benefits are seen in ADULTS who were breastfed and 2) the people in the study were breastfed for a little as one month.
The list of health benefits for people who were breastfed as babies is growing, with research unveiled yesterday showing they are more likely as adults to have higher levels of good cholesterol.
Numerous studies have shown babies whose mothers breastfed them enjoy health advantages over formula-fed babies. These include fewer ear, stomach and intestinal infections, fewer digestive problems, skin diseases and allergies, and less likelihood of developing high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.
Now, a study presented at an American Heart Association meeting in Orlando, Fla., found that breastfed babies are better off than bottle-fed babies in two heart disease risk factors as adults - levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and body mass index.
The study looked at 962 people, average age 41, taking part in the long-running Framingham Heart Study centred on Framingham, Mass. About a quarter of the children were breastfed for at least a month as babies.