This is the analytic framework for the systematic review conducted to examine the relationship between shorter versus longer durations of any human milk feeding and food allergies, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and asthma. The target population is birth through adulthood. The exposure is the duration of any human milk feeding among infants fed human milk and the comparator is shorter durations of any human milk feeding. The endpoint health outcomes are the incidence, prevalence, and severity of food allergies, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and asthma, and the frequency of asthma attacks. Human milk feeding is defined as feeding human milk alone or in combination with infant formula and/or complementary foods or beverages such as cow's milk. Human milk is defined as mother's own milk provided at the breast or expressed and fed fresh or after refrigeration/freezing. Donor milk (e.g., banked milk) is not examined in this review. Infant formula is defined as commercially-prepared infant formula meeting FDA and/or Codex Alimentarius international food standards. Complementary foods and beverages refers to foods and beverages other than human milk or infant formula that are provided to an infant or young child to provide nutrients and energy. The critical confounders are race/ethnicity, SES, smoking, mode of delivery, type of infant formula, timing and type of complementary foods and beverages, family history of atopic disease, daycare use, number of siblings, urban versus rural setting, and animals, pets, or farming.

Figure 1Analytic framework

From: WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SHORTER VERSUS LONGER DURATIONS OF ANY HUMAN MILK FEEDING AND FOOD ALLERGIES, ALLERGIC RHINITIS, ATOPIC DERMATITIS, AND ASTHMA?

Cover of Shorter Versus Longer Durations of Any Human Milk Feeding and Food Allergies, Allergic Rhinitis, Atopic Dermatitis, and Asthma: A Systematic Review
Shorter Versus Longer Durations of Any Human Milk Feeding and Food Allergies, Allergic Rhinitis, Atopic Dermatitis, and Asthma: A Systematic Review [Internet].
Güngör D, Nadaud P, Dreibelbis C, et al.
Alexandria (VA): USDA Nutrition Evidence Systematic Review; 2019 Apr.
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