The Effect of Optimal Breastfeeding Duration on Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents: from a Cohort Study

Background Breastfeeding is widely recognized as beneficial for child health, yet the relationship between breastfeeding duration and long-term cardiovascular outcomes, particularly blood pressure (BP), remains incomplete. Objective This study investigated the correlation between breastfeeding duration and BP in school-aged children in southwest China, with a focus on identifying the long-term effect of breastfeeding duration on blood pressure of school-aged children and the optimal breastfeeding duration for childhood cardiovascular health. Methods A cohort of 11,252 children aged 6–13 years was analyzed using data from the Chongqing Health Children Cohort, dividing them into two groups based on breastfeeding duration. Generalized linear regression models were used to investigate the relationship between breastfeeding duration and BP parameters, while multi-categorical logistic regression evaluated the risk of prehypertension and hypertension, adjusting confounding variables. Results Prolonged breast feeding (>10 months) was related to higher diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP), particularly in males, children under 9.2 years old, and those with birth weight below 3000g or over 3600g (P<0.001). Breastfeeding for 5-7 months was proven to be the best effective durationfor maintaining optimal systolic blood pressure (SBP)and DBP levels (P<0.001). Breastfeeding affectedblood pressure differently depending on geographic location and gender. Urban children (P=0.016 for DBP) and males (P=0.033 for systolic blood pressure, P=0.001 for DBP) were more sensitive to breast feeding. Conclusion Extended breastfeeding for more than 10 months mighthave a critical impact on BP levelsin certain subpopulations, emphasizing the importance of personalized optimal breastfeeding duration guidance.