'Breastfed babies are at risk of heart problems'

[chancelloroftheexchequers]

I was googling looking for something else and found this

Does anyone know anything about this study? It's from 2001, were the findings disproved in the end? I've never heard of this.

Chancellor, this study was widely discussed at the time. The headline in the newspaper does not in any way match the findings of the study.

Read the paper for yourself on the web - search for the reference BMJ 2001;322:643-647.

You can also see the extensive correspondence criticising methods and methodology if you search for BMJ 2001;323:689

The authors of the study responded to these, and said "Finally, we wish to re-emphasise why we would not suggest any current change in breast feeding practice. Firstly, our data are at too early a stage to be translated into health policy. Secondly, any risk-benefit analysis must include the many positive purported benefits of breast feeding on short and long term outcome.

If the hypothesis we raised proves correct, that more prolonged breastfeeding duration followed by a Western style diet explains our results, then future intervention policy might be better directed to our Western diet rather than breast feeding. "

Hope this helps explain what you read, but do see for yourself