This study highlights the significant benefits of breastfeeding for infants with moderately low birth weight (MLBW). Conducted across multiple low-resource settings, the research found that infants exclusively breastfed for the first six months exhibited better growth outcomes compared to those who were formula-fed or mixed-fed. Specifically, breastfed infants showed higher weight-for-age and length-for-age z-scores, indicating healthier growth trajectories. The study also noted a reduced incidence of growth faltering and severe malnutrition among breastfed infants. These findings underscore the critical role of breastfeeding in promoting optimal growth and development in MLBW infants, advocating for enhanced breastfeeding support and education in low-resource settings to improve infant health outcomes.
Journal Article