The Protective Role of Neonatal Breastfeeding in Renal Health: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding represents the best nutritional practice for infants. In addition to their immediate needs, the benefits they stand to gain from breastfeeding are far-reaching. This review systematically examined reports on the protective role of neonatal breastfeeding in renal health, highlighting immunological and epigenetic factors. Objectives: To provide insight into the nutritional composition of breast milk, its immunologic benefits, long-term health outcome implications, and also the role of breastfeeding in establishing a healthy gut microbiome in relation to renal health.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted based on studies published from the year 2000 to 2023. The studies used the PICO framework, focusing on neonates aged 0-12 months nursed either exclusively or partially compared to formula-fed babies. Peer-reviewed journals, clinical trials, and cohort studies were reviewed, and relevant data were extracted.

Results: The nutritional constituents of breast milk, which contain proteins, carbohydrates, and bioactive factors, play a huge role in the immune defence of a child and contribute to overall health. Breastfeeding has been shown to lower the risk of urinary tract infections leading to renal complications. There is further longitudinal evidence showing a relationship between maternal breastfeeding and a decreased incidence of obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes-all risk factors for chronic kidney disease. In addition, breastfeeding is thought to influence the establishment of a healthy gut microbiome, which may modulate inflammatory processes to benefit renal health. Breastfeeding greatly prevents chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes and hypertension predisposed to kidney diseases. It helps ensure healthy metabolic programming through optimal nutrition, appetite regulation via hormones, and beneficial gut microorganisms. Further, breastfeeding builds that maternity-infant bond, which again increases better emotional health to reduce chronic diseases risk. Female breastfeeds baby minimizes the risk of getting chronic diseases: long-term effects of type 2 diabetes and hypertension, both of which make the individual predisposed to kidney failure; they optimize nutrition, hormonal appetite regulation, and a well-functioning gut microbiome for healthy metabolic programming.

Conclusion: Breastfeeding extends the essential protective benefits in terms of renal health in the neonate and becomes a foundation for lifelong health. Socioeconomic barriers to breastfeeding must be eliminated to maximize its protective effects, particularly on precariously healthy populations.