Breast Feeding Equals Higher IQs
Dateline: 09/30/99
Mothers have suspected it all along: breast fed babies seem to be more cogent than formula fed babies. New research from the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center indicates that the IQ of breast fed babies is three to five points higher than that for formula fed babies. The researchers found that breast-feeding is associated with more advanced cognitive development in infants. The longer a baby is breast fed, the higher the difference when compared to formula fed babies.
The nutrients in breast milk and the bonding process with the mother are beneficial to the infant. The scientists noted that infants who were not breast-fed tended to have a lower IQ as well as poorer social adjustment when compared to breast fed babies.
The researchers believe that breast milk assists the development of the infant's brain. They speculate that the milk supports rapid development of the brain by provision of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as arachidonic acid (AA).
This was the first study to analyze the research in this area. The study was a so-called meta-analysis in that it was both a review and analysis of previously published studies on the subject. The analysis sought to separate the effects of the nutrients in the milk from the bonding with the mother that takes place during breast-feeding.
Specifically, the researchers found:
- the nutrients in breast milk are associated with approximately a 3.2 point difference in cognitive development when compared to formula fed babies.
- the maternal bonding that occurs during the process is associated with approximately a 2.1 point difference.
- the longer a baby is breast-fed the greater the benefits.
The docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) provided by breast milk seem to promote brain development. DHA and AA are found in formulas sold in many countries but not in formulas sold in the United States. Studies have shown that when these two lipid components are added to formula, the results are beneficial.
What do you think? Might we develop better formula products? Given the positive changes associated with it, should all children be breast-fed? Come on over to the Biology Forum and share your thoughts, opinions and feelings. Until next time...
For additional information see:
- Kentucky Study Shows Breast-Feeding Increases Babies' IQ
The original news release from University of Kentucky.
