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Environmental Impact of Feeding with Infant Formula in Comparison with Breastfeeding

Author

Listed:
  • Ellen Cecilie Andresen

    (Department of Nutrition, University of Oslo, 0317 Oslo, Norway)

  • Anne-Grete Roer Hjelkrem

    (Division of Food Production and Society, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), 1431 Ås, Norway)

  • Anne Kjersti Bakken

    (Division of Food Production and Society, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), 1431 Ås, Norway)

  • Lene Frost Andersen

    (Department of Nutrition, University of Oslo, 0317 Oslo, Norway)

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 environmental impact of four months exclusive feeding with infant formula was 35–72% higher than that of four months exclusive breastfeeding, depending on the impact category. For infant formula, cow milk was the main contributor to total score for all impact categories. The environmental impact of breastfeeding was dependant on the composition of the lactating mother’s diet. In conclusion, we found that breastfeeding has a lower environmental impact than feeding with infant formula. A limitation of the study is the use of secondary LCA data for raw ingredients and processes.

Suggested Citation

  • Ellen Cecilie Andresen & Anne-Grete Roer Hjelkrem & Anne Kjersti Bakken & Lene Frost Andersen, 2022. "Environmental Impact of Feeding with Infant Formula in Comparison with Breastfeeding," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-15, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:11:p:6397-:d:823174
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bakken, Anne Kjersti & Daugstad, Kristin & Johansen, Astrid & Hjelkrem, Anne-Grete Roer & Fystro, Gustav & Strømman, Anders Hammer & Korsaeth, Audun, 2017. "Environmental impacts along intensity gradients in Norwegian dairy production as evaluated by life cycle assessments," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 158(C), pages 50-60.
    2. Chiara Mameli & Sara Mazzantini & Gian Vincenzo Zuccotti, 2016. "Nutrition in the First 1000 Days: The Origin of Childhood Obesity," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-9, August.
    3. Daniel H. Pope & Johan O. Karlsson & Phillip Baker & David McCoy, 2021. "Examining the Environmental Impacts of the Dairy and Baby Food Industries: Are First-Food Systems a Crucial Missing Part of the Healthy and Sustainable Food Systems Agenda Now Underway?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-15, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Denisa Andreea Bacalu & Cecilia Lazea & Simona Mirel & Ovidiu-Petru Stan & Lucia Maria Lotrean, 2024. "Breastfeeding in the First Year of Life: The Situation in Romania in the European Context," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-25, January.

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