Breastfeeding could help prevent rheumatoid arthritis, study suggests

Mothers who breastfed their children may have a lower risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis later in life, new research has shown. The findings were published online in the Oxford Journal Rheumatology and have important implications for women around the globe.

Researchers analyzed more than 7,400 women 50 years old in China who completed questionnaires that asked about their health and lifestyle, breastfeeding practices and the use of oral contraceptives.

What the study revealed:

• Mothers who breastfed at least one baby were half as likely to have rheumatoid arthritis.

• The longer a woman breastfed (at least 36 months), the lower her risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

• More than 95 percent of the women breastfed their children for at least a month.

• Around 1 in 10 women were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

• The average age at diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis was about 48 years old.

• Women with arthritis were more likely to be overweight and less likely to have ever breastfed their child. They were also slightly more likely to have a lower level of education and to have smoked.

The study supports the theory that rheumatoid arthritis may be tied to hormonal changes, but more research is needed to prove this theory. One potential theory suggests that the level of progesterone, a hormone which is anti-inflammatory and rises during pregnancy and during breastfeeding, may result in long-term protective effects.

The initial aim of the study was to assess the relations between RA and the use of oral contraceptives and the history of breastfeeding in South China. They discovered during the study that there was no link between oral contraceptives and a lower risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

Breastfeeding in China is more common than in many Western nations. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least 12 months, and The World Health Organization recommends up to 2 years of age or beyond.

To learn more about this topic:
Pregnancy Linked to Lower Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk
Breastfeeding and Arthritis Medications
Parenting with Chronic Illness: One Mother's Lessons Learned