IDDM and Milk Consumption
A case-control study in Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Suely Godoy Agostinho Gimeno, DPH
- Jos'e Maria Pacheco de Souza, DPH
Objective To test the hypothesis that breast-feeding is a protective factor against IDDM
and that early exposure to cow's milk is a risk factor for the disease.
Research Design and Methods A case-control study was conducted in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
A total of 346 diabetic childern, aged 18 years, were identified in two institutions in the city of Sao Paulo.
Duration of exclusive breat-feeding and age of introduction to cow's milk products in infant diet were
compared with 346 sex-, age-, and neighborhood-matched control childern. All comparisons between
diabetic and control childern were done using paired tests.
Results Statistically significant differences were found for the duration of exclusive breat-feeding (P=0.007)
and for the age of introduction to cow's milk products (P=0.047). Control children had a longer time of exclusive
breast-feeding and had received cow's milk later in their diet than the case children.
Conclusions The results suggest that a shorter duration of exclusive
breast-feeding is a risk factor for IDDM (odds ratio [OR] 2.13; 95% CI 1.28-3.55)
and that the introduction to cow's milk products before age 8 days is a risk factor for the disease
(OR 2.29; 95% CI 1.37-3.83).