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Review
. 2001 Feb;48(1):105-23, ix.
doi: 10.1016/s0031-3955(05)70288-1.

Host defense benefits of breastfeeding for the infant. Effect of breastfeeding duration and exclusivity

M J Heinig  1
Affiliations
Review

Host defense benefits of breastfeeding for the infant. Effect of breastfeeding duration and exclusivity

M J Heinig. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2001 Feb.

Abstract

Breastfeeding confers lifesaving protection against infectious illness among disadvantaged populations. As a result, breastfeeding promotion has an important part in child health programs throughout the world. In this article, the evidence regarding the host defense benefits of breastfeeding for term infants of normal birth weight is reviewed, with an emphasis on recent information from industrialized countries regarding how the degree and duration of breastfeeding affect infant health.

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