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The Studies Show

Episode 2: Breastfeeding - what the science actually says

Jul 28, 2023
51:07

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The long-term benefits of breastfeeding are still debatable, with conflicting results from randomized controlled trials and diminishing effects over time.
  • Interpreting breastfeeding studies is challenging due to confounding factors, limited evidence, and small effect sizes.

Deep dives

Limited evidence for long-term benefits of breastfeeding

The podcast episode discusses the limited evidence and mixed results regarding the long-term benefits of breastfeeding. Observational studies have shown a correlation between breastfeeding and various outcomes such as intelligence, obesity, protection against infection, and maternal health. However, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have yielded conflicting results, and the effects seem to diminish over time. The probit trial in Belarus showed an initial significant effect on children's IQ, but by age 16, the effect disappeared. Other outcomes, such as protection against infection, have shown small effect sizes, and the evidence is confounded by multiple factors. The podcast emphasizes the need for more high-quality RCTs to better understand the potential benefits of breastfeeding.

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