What does breast milk contain?
Breast milk formula is ideally designed to support the baby's brain development. Breast milk contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are necessary for building brain tissue. In addition, breast milk is also rich in other nutrients important for cognitive development, such as iron and zinc.
Some studies have shown that children who are exclusively breastfed have higher IQ scores than those who are not breastfed. While it is not clear exactly how much breast milk affects IQ, there is no doubt that it plays a role in supporting healthy brain development.
In addition to providing important nutrients, breast milk also provides immune-boosting antibodies that can help protect children from diseases that can interfere with brain development.
What are the facts about breastfeeding and intelligence?
In a recent study, researchers found that breastfed children had higher IQ scores than those who were not breastfed, even after 14 years. The study included more than 8,000 children in the United Kingdom, and the researchers controlled for factors such as socioeconomic status and parents' education.
Other studies have found similar results. For example, a large analysis of more than 50 studies found that breastfed children had slightly higher IQ scores than formula-fed children.
A study of more than 17,000 children, the largest randomized controlled trial until 2008, showed that breastfed children were +7.5 points ahead in Verbal IQ, +2.9 points ahead in Performance IQ, and +5.9 points ahead in Full Scale IQ.
A new study has comprehensively shown that breastfeeding may have a positive effect on children's IQ.
The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, followed more than 1,300 children from birth to age 6, and researchers found that those who were breastfed had higher IQ scores at age 6 than those who were not breastfed.
The study's lead author, Dr. Mandy Balfour, said the findings suggest "breastfeeding may be one of many factors that contribute to cognitive development."
She added that more research is needed to confirm the results and to determine whether the effects of breastfeeding continue into adolescence and adulthood.
Despite the promising results, it is important to keep in mind that many other factors can affect IQ, including genes, parenting style, and socioeconomic status, so while breastfeeding may have a positive effect on IQ, It's just one piece of the puzzle.
Other studies found larger effects. A meta-analysis of 17 studies found that IQ scores for children who were breastfed were, on average, 3.4 points higher than those who were not breastfed.