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Osteoporosis International

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01-10-2017 | Original Article

Breastfeeding as the sole source of milk for 6 months and adolescent bone mineral density

Authors: E. Blanco, R. Burrows, M. Reyes, B. Lozoff, S. Gahagan, C. Albala

Published in: Osteoporosis International | Issue 10/2017

Abstract

Summary

Little is known regarding the relationship between early life factors and bone mineral density (BMD). We found a positive association between breastfeeding for at least 6 months, without formula supplementation, and whole body adolescent BMD z-score.

Introduction

The aim of the study is to assess the role of breastfeeding BF on adolescent bone mineral density (BMD) in a cohort prospectively followed since infancy.

Methods

We studied 679 participants from an infancy iron deficiency anemia preventive trial in Santiago, Chile, followed to adolescence. Breast and bottle feeding were ascertained weekly from 4 to 12 months. At 16 years, whole body BMD was assessed by DEXA. Using linear regression, we evaluated associations between BF duration and BF as the sole source of milk and adolescent BMD z-score, adjusting for possible infancy, adolescent, and background confounders.

Results

Mean birth weight and length were 3.5 (0.3) kg and 50.7 (1.6) cm. For at least 6 months, BF was the sole source of milk for 26.3% and with supplementation for 36.7%. For 37%, BF was provided for less than 6 months. Mean 16-year BMD z-score was 0.25 (1.0). Covariates included male sex, birth length, and gestational age. BF as the sole source of milk ≥6 months, compared to BF < 6 months, was associated with higher adolescent BMD z-score adjusting for covariates (β = 0.29, p < 0.05). Mixed BF was not significantly related to adolescent BMD z-score (β = 0.06, p = 0.47). For every 30 days of BF as the sole source of milk, adolescent BMD z-score increased by 0.03 (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

BF without formula supplementation for at least 6 months was associated with higher adolescent BMD z-score and a suggestive trend in the same direction for BMD suggests that exclusivity and duration of BF may play a role in adolescent bone health.

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Title: Breastfeeding as the sole source of milk for 6 months and adolescent bone mineral density
Authors: E. Blanco
R. Burrows
M. Reyes
B. Lozoff
S. Gahagan
C. Albala
Publication date: 01-10-2017
Publisher: Springer London
Published in: Osteoporosis International / Issue 10/2017
Print ISSN: 0937-941X
Electronic ISSN: 1433-2965
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-017-4106-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Breastfeeding as the sole source of milk for 6 months and adolescent bone mineral density

Abstract

Summary

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Summary

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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