Could Breast Feeding Reduce Your Risk Of Multiple Sclerosis?

A research conducted on the benefits of breast feeding has stated that mothers who breastfeed for at least 15 months over one or more pregnancies may be less likely to develop multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis, commonly known as MS, is a disease in which one's own immune system rips apart the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The results of the research show that women who have multiple sclerosis have fewer attacks or relapses during pregnancy or when they are breast feeding.

"This is another example of a benefit to the mother from breastfeeding. Other health benefits include a reduced risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart attack," said Annette Langer-Gould from health care company Kaiser Permanente Southern California in the US.

Women who were around 15 years of age or more and also had their first menstrual cycle were 44 per cent less likely to develop MS later than women who were 11 years old or younger at the time of their first menstruation. Moreover, women who had breastfed their children for an aggregate of fifteen months or more were 55 percent less likely to develop MS than those who had breastfed for only up-to four months.

"This study provides more evidence that women who are able to breastfeed their infants should be supported in doing so," Langer-Gould said.

"Among the many other benefits to the mother and the baby, breastfeeding may reduce the mother's future risk of developing MS," she said. The study might not be direct and conclusive but it does show association between MS and breast feeding.

(With inputs from PTI)