TITLE:
Practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding: A Narrative Review of Its Relevance and Added Value as a Public Health Strategy to Reduce the Double Burden of Malnutrition
AUTHORS:
Marcelle Essoyodou Kabassina, Tiatou Souho, Damipie Bomboma, Elom Kouassivi Aglago, Ella Compaoré, Abel Essowéréou Abli, Sabiba Kou’santa Amouzou
KEYWORDS:
Exclusive Breastfeeding, Human Breast Milk, Children under 6 Months, Breast Milk Composition
JOURNAL NAME:
Food and Nutrition Sciences,
Vol.17 No.4,
April
27,
2026
ABSTRACT: Among public health guidelines and strategies for optimal children’s growth, exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months occupies a pivotal place. The present review provides an overview of the composition of human breast milk and the relevance of exclusive breastfeeding as a public health tool that can improve children’s health as well as mother’s wellbeing. Analyses encompass nutrients supply to children, children’s immune system setting and maturation, cognitive and psychomotor development, epigenetic regulation, and microbiome establishment. The relevance of exclusive breastfeeding as a public health strategy is discussed before reviewing the level of application of this strategy worldwide. Furthermore, breastfeeding evaluation methods are presented alongside factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice.