Comparative Analysis of Breastfeeding and Infant Formulas: Short- and Long-Term Impacts on Infant Nutrition and Health.

Infant nutrition plays a pivotal role in shaping short- and long-term health outcomes. This review critically examines the comparative effects of breastfeeding and infant formulas on infant growth, cognitive development, and overall health. Breastfeeding, often considered the gold standard, provides a dynamic composition of nutrients, antibodies, and bioactive factors that support immune function, neurodevelopment, and gut microbiota maturation, contributing to long-term protection against chronic diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. In contrast, although modern infant formulas are designed to mimic the nutritional composition of breast milk and support infant growth, they may lack certain bioactive components, potentially leading to differences in gut microbiota composition and increased susceptibility to infections and allergies. However, various medical, societal, and personal factors may necessitate formula feeding, which has been optimized to approximate the nutritional profile of breast milk. In conclusion, both breastfeeding and infant formulas play significant roles in infant nutrition, with breastfeeding providing unparalleled health benefits. However, infant formulas remain a viable alternative when breastfeeding is not possible. This review highlights the need for individualized feeding recommendations that consider maternal health, socioeconomic factors, and infant needs to optimize growth and health outcomes.