Not breastfeeding and risk of autism spectrum disorders among children: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Background To our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis of the association of not breastfeeding and the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) based on observational studies. Purpose This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate of the association of not breastfeeding and the risk of ASD. Methods Three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) were systematically searched until December 2021. Heterogeneity was determined using the chi-square test and its quantity was measured using the I2 statistic. The Begg line regression test was used to assess publication bias. A random-effects model was used to analyze the data. Seven studies were included in this meta-analysis. Results The total study population included 3,270 individuals. According to the random-effects model, the estimated odds ratio of the risk of ASD associated with not breastfeeding was 1.81 (95% confidence interval, 1.35–2.27; I2=0%). Conclusion The results of the included studies were homogeneous. Our findings showed that not breastfeeding is a risk factor for ASD. These results suggest the importance of breastfeeding in decreasing the risk of ASD in children.

Keywords

• autism spectrum disorders
• breastfeeding
• child
• meta-analysis