The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants
be fed breast milk or iron-fortified formula during the first
year of life. The
rationale behind this recommendation is based in part upon
the observation that cow's milk contains inadequate amounts
of vitamin E, iron, and essential fatty acids and excessive
amounts of protein, potassium and sodium. This recommendation
is probably also based upon numerous studies documenting the
benefits of exclusive breast-feeding.
Previous studies have suggested that infant consumption of
cow's milk may also contribute to the development of diabetes.
A study in the June 2000 issue of Diabetes examined
this relationship by gathering data on infant feeding patterns
and childhood diet using children who progressed to clinical
diabetes during a followup period. Data collected included
duration of overall breast-feeding and age of introduction
of cow's milk products.
The authors concluded that high consumption of cow's milk
may influence the development of diabetes, particularly in
siblings of children with type I diabetes, and call for additional
research to further clarify this relationship. Talk to your
doctor about the potential dangers of cow's milk consumption,
and the many potential benefits of exclusive breast-feeding,
to ensure the healthy growth of your child.
Virtanen SM, Laara E, Hypponen E, et al. Cow's milk consumption,
HLA-DQB1 genotype, and type I diabetes: a nested case-control
study of siblings of children with diabetes. Diabetes,
June 2000: Vol. 49, pp912-17.