1.
Systematic Review: Early Infant Feeding and the Risk of Type 1 Diabetes.
Pieścik-Lech, M, Chmielewska, A, Shamir, R, Szajewska, H
Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition. 2017;(3):454-459
Abstract
BACKGROUND In addition to genetic background, a number of environmental factors have been claimed to influence the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D), including infant diet. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to systematically update evidence on the possible relation between early feeding practices and the risk of T1D. METHODS The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CINAHL were searched for studies of any design up to July 2015. MEDLINE and EMBASE were additionally searched in March 2016. The primary outcome measures were the development of T1D or T1D-associated autoimmunity (T1DA). RESULTS Nine publications were identified. Breastfeeding at the time of gluten introduction, as compared to gluten introduction after weaning, did not reduce the risk of developing T1DA or T1D. In children at high risk of developing T1D, except for gluten introduction at 3 months or younger age compared with gluten introduction at older than 3 months, which increased the risk of T1DA, the age of gluten introduction in infants had no effect on the risk of developing T1DA. CONCLUSIONS Current evidence, mainly from observational studies, does not support the claim that early infant feeding practices, such as breastfeeding at gluten introduction or the age of the infant at the time of gluten introduction, may decrease the risk of developing T1D. More robust data are needed from randomized controlled trials.
2.
Primary Prevention of Celiac Disease: Environmental Factors with a Focus on Early Nutrition.
Chmielewska, A, Pieścik-Lech, M, Szajewska, H, Shamir, R
Annals of nutrition & metabolism. 2015;:43-50
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Abstract
Celiac disease (CD) is a common autoimmune disorder caused by ingestion of gluten. When diagnosed, it should be treated with a lifelong, strict gluten-free diet. Early infant feeding practices have been suggested as a means of preventing CD. In the last few decades, observational data have suggested that breastfeeding, especially at the time of introducing gluten into the infant's diet, as well as the time and mode of gluten first being given to a child could prevent or delay the occurrence of CD. As a result, recommendations advised that it is prudent to avoid both early (<4 months) and late (>7 months) introduction of gluten, and to introduce gluten gradually while the infant is still being breastfed, as this may reduce the risk of celiac disease, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and wheat allergy. Recently, the results of two large randomized trials have shown that breastfeeding in general, breastfeeding during gluten introduction, and early or delayed gluten introduction do not influence the total risk of CD in genetically predisposed individuals. Introducing gluten at 4 versus 6 months in very small amounts, or at 6 versus 12 months, resulted in similar rates of CD in these children. Thus, early feeding practices seem to have no impact on the risk of developing CD during childhood. In children without the genetic predisposition, the age and mode of gluten introduction do not influence the risk anyway.