Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
4167406 The Journal of Pediatrics 2009 5 Pages PDF
Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine whether longer breastfeeding is associated with higher infant lead concentrations.Study designData were analyzed from 3 studies of developmental effects of iron deficiency in infancy: Costa Rica (1981-1984), Chile (1991-1996), and Detroit (2002-2003). The relation between duration of breastfeeding and lead levels was assessed with Pearson product-moment or partial correlation coefficients.ResultsMore than 93% of the Costa Rica and Chile samples was breastfed (179 and 323 breastfed infants, respectively; mean weaning age, 8-10 months), as was 35.6% of the Detroit sample (53 breastfed infants; mean weaning age, 4.5 months). Lead concentrations averaged 10.8 μg/dL (Costa Rica, 12-23 months), 7.8 μg/dL (Chile, 12 months), and 2.5 μg/dL (Detroit, 9-10 months). Duration of breastfeeding as sole milk source and total breastfeeding correlated with lead concentration in all samples (r values = 0.14-0.57; P values = .06-<.0001).ConclusionsLonger breastfeeding was associated with higher infant lead concentration in 3 countries, in 3 different decades, in settings differing in breastfeeding patterns, environmental lead sources, and infant lead levels. The results suggest that monitoring lead concentrations in breastfed infants be considered.

Related Topics
Health Sciences Medicine and Dentistry Perinatology, Pediatrics and Child Health
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