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HEALTH WATCH: BREASTFEEDING
Nourishing The Natural Way
Exclusive breastfeeding and no complementary foods
for the first six months, say experts
 Four
months? Six months? How many months are enough? Confused mothers may find
an answer in a recommendation by a who-commissioned review committee that
met in Geneva last month. After assessing global scientific literature,
the panel has suggested exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months
of an infant's life, and introduction of complementary foods thereafter.
"The current who policy is that complementary foods can be given
to the child in the 4-6 month period, reflecting the uncertainty of the
scientific rationale behind what should be the exclusive breastfeeding
period," says Dr M.K. Bhan, professor of paediatrics, All India Institute
of Medical Sciences, Delhi, who was on the Geneva committee. He adds,
"This new recommendation should be a slap in the face of physicians
who suggest supplements at every trivial excuse." Dr R.K. Anand of
Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai, agrees: "This 4-6 month thing is being promoted
by vested interests such as baby food manufacturers who have influenced
some doctors too." Currently, India's Health Ministry recommends
4-6 months as the period for exclusive breastfeeding.
There has been uncertainty for long over whether
breast milk alone is adequate for an infant's nutritional needs. The panel
says that breast milk is all that a child needs in the first four months.
After four months, the child might not be receiving sufficient micronutrients
from breast milk. This deficiency is made up by administering supplements
to the child in upper- and middle-class families. Poor families tend to
give food supplements which not only do not provide sufficient micronutrients
but may also end up introducing infections. In such families, the disadvantages
of introducing complementary foods far outweigh the advantages. Even in
richer families and in the developed world, with the possibility of infection
from other sources, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is
advisable.
This is not always possible. Earlier introduction
of complementary foods might be necessary for working women who are not
given sufficient maternity leave and who do not have the facilities to
express their breast milk for later use while at the office. The Geneva
panel might clear some of the confusion on the subject. It's still not
a solution.
—Anna M.M. Vetticad
In Small Doses
 Ayurveda
for Asthma: Long-suffering asthma patients now have a herbal option,
thanks to the Indian Institute of Chemical Biology. The ayurvedic formulation,
marketed as Asmon, is a cheap and effective remedy. Available in 200 ml
bottles priced at Rs 70 each as well as capsules costing Rs 6.50 per piece,
this ancient formulation was put through modern clinical trials on more
than 200 volunteers with mild to moderate asthma and emerged successful.
Some of these trial patients were even able to stop taking their regular
allopathic drugs. Great news, but still too early to throw out to that
inhaler.
The Risky Cuppa: That rejuvenating cup
could be indirectly damaging the heart. A report in the American Journal
of clinical nutrition reveals that consuming large amounts of coffee or
black tea raises levels of an amino acid called homocysteine in the body.
High homocysteine levels are considered a major risk factor for heart
diseases, although no direct link has been shown between tea and heart
disease.
 Down
Depression, Up Libido: Sexual arousal, sexual fantasy and interest
in engaging in sex. For side effects these probably beat all others, but
that's what the anti-depressant drug bupropion hydrochloride does to women.
According to a study published in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy,
51 women, all otherwise healthy, were given eight weeks of treatment with
the drug. Almost a third among them experienced heightened interest in
sex. The drug is being marketed under the brand name Wellbutrin by GlaxoSmithKline
Plc, and is an approved treatment for depression.
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