Multiple studies have shown the benefits of breastfeeding. A new
study has found yet another reason to nurse babies -- it makes them
stronger -- literally.
Enrique García Artero, the principal author of the study and
researcher at the University of Granada said his and the other
researchers’ objective was to analyze the relationship
between the duration of breastfeeding babies and their physical
condition later in adolescence.
"The results suggest further beneficial effects and provide support
to breastfeeding as superior to any other type of feeding,”
said Garcia Artero.
The study authors asked the parents of 2,567 adolescents about the
type of feeding their children received at birth and the time this
lasted.
The children also performed physical tests in order to evaluate
several abilities such as aerobic capacities and their muscular
strength.
Longer is better
The paper, which was published in the Journal of
Nutrition, shows that the adolescents who were breastfed
as babies had stronger leg muscles than those who were not
breastfed.
Moreover, muscular leg strength was greater in those who had been
breastfed for a longer period of time.
The study authors also found the kids who were breastfed, either
exclusively or in combination with formula, were more likely to
jump higher than kids who were fed only formula, regardless of
factors like sex, height, weight or current amount of muscle
mass.
The study revealed even kids who were breastfed only for a few
months after birth benefited more than their formula-fed peers. The
kids who breastfed for three to five months performed just as well
as the kids who nursed for six months or more.
According to García Artero, up until now, no studies have
examined the association between breastfeeding and future muscular
aptitude. He also points out other factors, including birth weight,
also play a large role in how strong babies’ muscles will be
later on in life.
“The perfect food”
The health benefits for baby include protection against allergies, skin diseases, growth, development and intelligence and possibly reducing the risk of obesity and diabetes later in life.
Moms benefit from breastfeeding, too. It helps reduce chances of post-birth hemorrhage, anemia and the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, plus it strengthens the all-important mother-baby bond.
