Extended Breastfeeding and Introducing Solid Foods at Six Months of Age Reduces the Likelihood of ASD Diagnosis
New research out of Israel highlights that breastfeeding practices in early childhood may significantly impact the likelihood of a later autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. According to the study, children who were breastfed—whether partially or exclusively—exhibited a reduced risk of developing ASD, with longer durations of breastfeeding providing a greater protective effect. This supports previous research, including meta-analyses, which also found a notable decrease in ASD risk linked to breastfeeding. The study also found that introducing solid foods before six months was associated with an increased risk of ASD, reinforcing guidelines from the World Health Organization that recommend introducing solids at six months of age. Additionally, the study noted that the protective effect of breastfeeding on ASD was stronger in females and emphasized the need for further research to clarify these associations and inform nutritional recommendations for infants at higher risk of developing ASD.
