Language: English
The healthcare portal for patients and the general public in Europe
This service contains links to third party websites. EPG Patient Direct is not in a position to verify this information and cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the content contained.
13 May 2008
Women who breastfeed their baby for more than 12 months significantly reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, a new study suggests.
According to the British Medical Association, research published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that women who breastfed for 13 months or longer were half as likely to suffer from rheumatoid arthritis as those who didn't breastfeed their children.
Mothers who breastfed for a period of one to 12 months were 25 per cent less likely to develop the disease.
Scientists believe that breastfeeding can be linked to higher levels of the hormone oxytocin, which is known to reduce stress hormone levels and reduce blood pressure, perhaps improving overall well-being in defense against the autoimmune disease.
While taking oral contraceptives - which contain hormones that are increased in pregnancy - is thought to help prevent the disease, the study revealed that it didn't have the same preventative effect as breastfeeding.
Commenting on the findings, Rachel Haynes, from Arthritis Care, told the BBC: "The surprising results from this research demonstrate how much more we need to know about rheumatoid arthritis and its causes.
"It is important that women feel able to make informed choices by balancing their lifestyle with the full range of evidence about the pros and cons of breastfeeding."
More health news
Delicious
Reddit
Facebook
StumbleUpon
