A systematic review and meta-analysis has concluded that longer breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of developing coeliac disease. Breastfeeding during the introduction of dietary gluten is also linked to lower risk (pooled odds ratio 0.48, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.59) compared with infants who were not breast-feeding during this period.

The authors remark that it is not clear from the primary studies whether breast-feeding delays the onset of symptoms or provides a permanent protection against the disease.