Is it true that formula-fed babies get sick more easily? & bull; hello healthy

World health agencies, such as WHO, and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia recommend that every baby be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life. This is a recommendation because breast milk is the best food for babies and has many health benefits for babies. Then, what about babies who are not given breast milk and are instead given formula milk? Is it true that formula-fed babies are more prone to illness?

Formula-fed babies are more prone to illness in the first year

A study states that babies who consume formula milk have a higher chance of getting sick than babies who are breastfed. Formula-fed babies have a higher risk of developing infectious diseases in the first year of life. Why?

This can be related to the immunity factors contained in breast milk. Immune cells that are found in certain parts of the mother's body will move to the breast glands and produce specific IgA antibodies that can increase the immunity (immunity) of the baby. This makes breastfed babies better protected from infectious diseases, such as influenza, diarrhea, respiratory infections, and others. Not only that, breastfeeding babies can also prevent allergies and protect babies from a number of chronic diseases.

Meanwhile, formula milk certainly does not have an immune function. In formula milk, there are no antibodies that can protect babies from disease. This makes formula-fed babies have a lower immune system than breastfed babies, making them more prone to illness.

Diseases that may occur in formula-fed babies

Due to the absence of antibodies in formula milk, babies who are not given breast milk at all lose the opportunity to increase their immunity. This certainly makes formula-fed babies more prone to illness. Some of the diseases that may often occur in formula-fed babies are:

1. Infection of the digestive tract

Several studies have shown that formula-fed babies have a higher risk of developing gastroenteritis and diarrhea. Research conducted by Chien and Howie shows that babies who are fed formula milk are 2.8 times more likely to develop gastrointestinal infections (attacking the stomach and intestines), than babies who are exclusively breastfed.

2. Lower respiratory tract infection

Research by Bachrach and colleagues showed that babies who were not breastfed early in life had a 3.6 times greater risk of developing lower respiratory tract infections in the early first year of life. This is in contrast to babies who are exclusively breastfed for more than 4 months from birth.

The study explained that the fat content in breast milk seems to block the activity of the RSV virus (respiratory syncytial virus), which can cause infections of the lungs and airways.

3. Otitis media

Otitis media is an infection that occurs in the middle ear. About 44% of babies can develop otitis media in the first year of life. The risk of a baby developing this infection is increased in infants who are fed formula milk with a bottle of milk than in infants who are exclusively breastfed. Fluid in the throat of a baby who is often bottle-fed can easily reach the middle ear, which can lead to infection.

4. Obesity and metabolic disease

Several studies have shown that children who are fed formula milk (not breast milk) are more likely to gain weight in adulthood. Another study also states that babies who are fed formula milk have a 1.6 times greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes than babies who are breastfed. This may be due to the different content of formula milk from breast milk, infant food intake, feeding practices, and other lifestyle factors.