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More infant breastfeeding is linked to higher intelligence, a longer period in education and greater earnings 30 years later, a new study finds.
The study led by Dr Horta found that prolonged breastfeeding increases the intelligence of the child till at least the age of 30 years, but it could also lead to a better education background and financial ability. However, the effects might not persist into adulthood.
Using infants from Brazil, infants who were breastfed for a year scored, on average, 4 IQ points higher than those who were breastfed for less than a month. Breastfed infants also went on to spend one more year in education, on average, and earn one-third of the average national income more.
The main reason could be the presence of long-chain saturated fatty acids (DHAs) found in breast milk, this helps brain development, which could possibly explain the intelligence.
An influencing factor could also be the amount of milk consumed.
Category(s):Child Development
Source material from PsyBlog
