Experts question links drawn from breastfeeding research

The results of a  meta- analysis of research into breastfeeding and the risk of childhood leukaemia which was published in JAMA has been questioned by experts at Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

The results, which have been widely reported in the media, appear to indicate that breastfeeding for longer than 6 months reduces the risk of childhood leukaemia and concludes that this therefore adds to the evidence that it should be encouraged and supported.  However, the links drawn by the research have been questioned as experts have suggested that not enough measures were taken to counter problems such as participation bias.  They urge that more thorough research into this area is needed, especially as it appears that the incidence of childhood leukaemia is multifactorial.

See the full response here

See the original research abstract here