Are breast-fed infants more resilient? Feeding method and cortisol in infants

J Pediatr. 2009 Mar;154(3):452-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2008.09.025.

Abstract

The effect of feeding method on stress hormone levels in infants is unknown. We studied infants from birth to 1 year and found salivary cortisol 40% higher in breast-fed infants compared with formula-fed infants. The higher cortisol levels among breast-fed children may be involved in the analgesic effect of breastfeeding.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological*
  • Bottle Feeding
  • Breast Feeding*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / blood*
  • Infant
  • Infant Formula
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Stress, Physiological*

Substances

  • Hydrocortisone