Breastfeeding is known to have many health benefits for both children and mothers. The effects on intelligence, IQ, and cognitive development in children have not been as clear. Some studies have shown that breastfed children have higher intelligence but some of those studies failed to account for other factors such as maternal intelligence. Some studies have shown no effect. Recent studies that have been better designed have suggested a positive effect.
The results of a new, long-term study of children in Brazil have now been published. Researchers followed thousands of children born in 1982 for 30 years! This is not the first study to look at long-term effects of breastfeeding, including intelligence, into adulthood. However, this study also looked at education and income and carefully controlled for most variables. Breastfeeding itself had a rather dramatic effect on intelligence. Furthermore, the study showed that the effects are not just on intelligence tests but on real, practical, life outcomes including income and education level. These findings may not translate to other cultures.
This is not a perfect study, but it is well-designed and better designed than many others and does not suffer from some of the same problems as other studies on the effects of breastfeeding. Further studies are of course needed to confirm and to add to these findings.
Evidence is mounting for positive effect of breastfeeding on intelligence, and not only performance in school during childhood but well into adulthood as well. These are permanent, lifelong effects. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
Editorial Mortensen, EL. Life course consequences of breastfeeding. Lancet Glob Health 2015; 3: 3179-e180. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(15)70078-1
Victora, CG, Lessa Horta, BL, de Mola, CL et al. Association between breastfeeding and intelligence, educational attainment, and income at 30 years of age: a prospective birth cohort study from Brazil. Lancet Glob Health. 2015; 3: e199–e205 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(15)70002-1
