Breastfeeding may not protect against allergy and asthma

Recent studies do not confirm the 'conventional wisdom' that breastfeeding is protective against allergy and asthma.

Early reduction in childhood wheezing may reflect protection from viral infections.

Reference:

Breastfeeding and allergies: time for a change in paradigm? Duncan, Joanne M; Sears, Malcolm R. Genetics and epidemiology, Current Opinion in Allergy & Clinical Immunology. 8(5):398-405, October 2008.

Shorter duration and nonexclusivity of breastfeeding are associated with increased risk of asthma symptoms in children. ERJ January 1, 2012 vol. 39 no. 1 81-89.