Breastfeeding bumps up babies' IQs
Breastfeeding your baby for longer
could see them go on to become
more successful in later life.
Babies who are breastfed for a longer
period of time are more likely to have
higher IQs in later life, new research
has found.
Dr Bernardo Lessa Horta, of the
Federal University of Pelotas in Brazil,
and his team followed around 6,000
newborn babies from all walks of life
for 30 years to analyse the long-term
effects of breastfeeding, documenting
their intake during early childhood.
Participants, now in their early 30s,
were also given an IQ test as
researchers simultaneously looked
into around 3,500 individual's
educational achievements and
income.
From the results, experts determined
that the longer a little one is breastfed
- up to 12 months - the more likely
they'll be to have longer schooling,
higher intelligence levels as an adult
and higher earnings in the
professional world.
Overall, a tot who was breastfed for at
least 12 months, saw its IQ go up by
four points and spent a year longer in
education.
"Our study provides the first evidence
that prolonged breastfeeding not only
increases intelligence until at least the
age of 30 years but also has an
impact both at an individual and
societal level by improving educational
attainment and earning ability," Dr
Bernardo said.
"The likely mechanism underlying the
beneficial effects of breast milk on
intelligence is the presence of long-
chain saturated fatty acids (DHAs)
found in breast milk, which are
essential for brain development.
"Our finding that predominant
breastfeeding is positively related to
IQ in adulthood also suggests that the
amount of milk consumed plays a
role."
It's long been known that breast milk
benefits a baby's health, helping them
fight off illnesses such as chest
infections and stomach bugs. It can
even aid in preventing conditions
such as asthma and allergies. But as
seen above, there are more pluses to
this method than originally thought.
Dr Colin Michie, chairman of the Royal
College of Paediatrics and Child
Health's Nutrition Committee,
describes this study as a "powerful"
one, mainly down to its high sample
size.
"It is important to note that
breastfeeding is one of many factors
that can contribute to a child's
outcomes, however this study
emphasises the need for continued
and enhanced breastfeeding
promotion so expectant mothers are
aware of the benefits of
breastfeeding," he noted.