Abstract
The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months for the baby’s
health and illnesses protection. Several studies have assessed the effect of breastfeeding on the risk of
atopic dermatitis and asthma. This study aimed to systematically review the relationship between duration
of breastfeeding and atopic dermatitis and asthma. We used relevant key words to search for studies
published during 2001-2013 in PubMed database and Cochrane library. Forty-two studies met the inclusion
criteria. The results found that infants not breastfed were at a greater risk of developing atopic dermatitis
and asthma (Relative risk (RR) or Odds ratio (OR), 1.15-11.53) than infants who were breastfed.
Breastfeeding for less than 3 months increased risk of the diseases (RR, OR =1.25-1.45) than infants who
were breastfed for 3 months or more. Breastfeeding for less than 6 months were associated with increased
risk of diseases (RR, OR= 1.15-2.00) than 6 months or more. Several studies show that breastfeeding is
likely to associate with protection against development of atopic dermatitis and asthma. However, since
the literature has a wide range of quality, further studies including meta-analysis study should be undertaken.
