Key result
Breastfeeding for ≥6 months was associated with lower common carotid intima-media thickness in later life compared to shorter or no breastfeeding (SMD -0.10; 95% CI -0.20 to 0.00).
Why the study?
The relationship between maternal breastfeeding duration and ultrasound carotid intima-media thickness in later life remained to be assessed.
Does breastfeeding duration ≥ 6 months reduce carotid intima-media thickness in later life in women?
Meta-Analysis
Does breastfeeding duration ≥ 6 months reduce carotid intima-media thickness in later life in women?
Breastfeeding for 6 or more months is associated with lower carotid intima-media thickness and higher HDL-cholesterol levels in later life, suggesting a long-term cardiovascular benefit for mothers.
Longer breastfeeding was associated with lower CIMT; leaves open whether this supports targeted promotion before prospective confirmation.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship of breastfeeding duration with maternal ultrasound carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in later life. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Central database searching up to December 15, 2020, for eligible studies that reported on the breastfeeding duration and ultrasound measurement of CIMT in later life. The exposed group corresponded to breastfeeding duration ≥ 6 months whereas the control group was women with breastfeeding of shorter duration or nil breastfeeding. The methodological quality of reviewed articles was appraised using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Results are reported as the mean difference (MD) or the standardized MD (SMD) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The study was registered in the PROSPERO database. RESULTS: 1-5 months (NOS: 7-8). Common CIMT was lower in women who breastfed for a longer duration (SMD = -0.10, 95% CI -0.20 to -0.00). Circulating HDL-cholesterol was higher in women with longer breastfeeding duration (MD = 3.25, 95% CI 0.88-5.61). There were no significant differences for total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and blood pressure between breastfeeding 6 or more months and the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The available studies showed lower CIMT and higher HDL-cholesterol levels in women who breastfed for 6 or more months as compared to controls.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Pérez‐Roncero et al. (2021) conducted a meta-analysis in Carotid intima-media thickness in later life. Breastfeeding duration ≥ 6 months vs. Breastfeeding of shorter duration or nil breastfeeding was evaluated on Common carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) (SMD -0.10, 95% CI -0.20 to -0.00). Breastfeeding for ≥6 months was associated with lower common carotid intima-media thickness in later life compared to shorter or no breastfeeding (SMD -0.10; 95% CI -0.20 to 0.00).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: