Investigation of the Relationship of Autism Spectrum Disorder with Infant Formula Consumption and Employment and Education of the Parents: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background and Objectives: This study explored the association between breastfeeding vs. infant formula and the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), considering parental education and employment as conferring variables. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was performed on 35 ASD children aged 6-12 years and 70 healthy children matched in terms of age and gender. Age, gender, postnatal nutrition, parental employment, and parental education were recorded with parental cooperation. Results: There was a statistically significant difference (P=0.005) between the two groups regarding the type of postnatal milk type. Consumption of infant formula alone or combined with breast milk and maternal employment, especially in governmental occupation, were associated with the risk of ASD incidence. Conclusion: This study provides further evidence of the possible protective effect of exclusive breastfeeding against ASD. In addition, child-mother physical distance due to maternal employment seemed to play a considerable role in the risk of ASD incidence.

Keywords

• autism spectrum disorder
• breast feeding
• infant formula
• employment
• intellectual disability