Breastfeeding and Infant Formula Use in Relation to Autism
Author Information
Author(s): Schultz Stephen T, Klonoff-Cohen Hillary S, Wingard Deborah L, Akshoomoff Natacha A, Macera Caroline A, Ji Ming, Bacher Christopher
Primary Institution: University of California, San Diego
Hypothesis
Breastfeeding and use of infant formula supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid/arachidonic acid are protective for Autistic Disorder.
Conclusion
Children who were not breastfed or were fed infant formula without DHA/ARA supplementation were significantly more likely to have autistic disorder.
Supporting Evidence
- Absence of breastfeeding was significantly associated with an increase in the odds of having autistic disorder.
- Use of infant formula without DHA/ARA supplementation was associated with a significant increase in the odds of autistic disorder.
- Children with regression in development had similar patterns of breastfeeding and formula use.
Takeaway
Kids who didn't get breast milk or the right kind of formula were more likely to have autism.
Methodology
This is a case-control study using data from the Autism Internet Research Survey, an online parental survey conducted from February to April 2005.
Potential Biases
Ascertainment bias due to non-random sampling and reliance on self-reported data.
Limitations
The study relied on self-reported data and was not a random sampling of the population, which may introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
861 children with Autistic Disorder and 123 control children, aged 2-18 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.42, 4.35
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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