Environmental Impact of Feeding with Infant Formula in Comparison with Breastfeeding

ABSTRACT: Young children have unique nutritional requirements, and breastfeeding is the best option to support healthy growth and development. Concerns have been raised around the increasing use of milk-based infant formulas in replacement of breastfeeding, in regards to health, social, economic and environmental factors. However, literature on the environmental impact of infant formula feeding and breastfeeding is scarce. In this study we estimated the environmental impact of four months exclusive feeding with infant formula compared to four months exclusive breastfeeding in a Norwegian setting. We used life-cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, including the impact categories global warming potential, terrestrial acidification, marine and freshwater eutrophication, and land use. We found that the en

SUBMITTER: Andresen E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9180168 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature