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Pregnancy and Birth to 24 Months Systematic Review

Systematic Review Question

What is the relationship between never versus ever feeding human milk and food allergies, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and asthma?

Conclusion Statement

Moderate evidence suggests that never, in comparison to ever, being fed human milk is associated with higher risk of childhood asthma. 

Limited evidence does not suggest a relationship between never versus ever being fed human milk and atopic dermatitis in childhood. 

Evidence about the relationship between never versus ever being fed human milk and atopic dermatitis from birth to 24 months is inconclusive, and there is insufficient evidence to determine the relationship of never versus ever being fed human milk with food allergies throughout the lifespan, allergic rhinitis throughout the lifespan, asthma in adolescence or in adulthood, and atopic dermatitis in adolescence or in adulthood.

Grade: Moderate – asthma in childhood; Limited – atopic dermatitis in childhood; Grade Not Assignable – food allergies, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis outside of childhood, asthma in adolescence and adulthood