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Effect of breastfeeding on cognitive development of infants born small for gestational age

M R Rao1, M L Hediger, R J Levine

  • 1Epidemiology Branch, Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. mr8u@nih.gov

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|May 23, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Exclusive breastfeeding for 24 weeks significantly boosts cognitive development in infants born small for gestational age (SGA) without hindering growth. This duration is recommended to enhance intelligence quotient (IQ) in these infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Breastfeeding benefits cognitive development, but its role for infants born small for gestational age (SGA) is unclear.
  • Infants born SGA may require nutritional supplementation for optimal growth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of exclusive breastfeeding duration on cognitive development in term infants born SGA compared to those born appropriate for gestational age (AGA).

Main Methods:

  • Prospective evaluation of 220 term infants born SGA and 299 term infants born AGA.
  • Cognitive development assessed using Bayley Scale of Infant Development and Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scales of Intelligence.
  • Duration of exclusive breastfeeding and early nutritional supplementation were recorded.

Main Results:

  • Exclusive breastfeeding showed a greater positive effect on cognitive development in SGA infants than in AGA infants.
  • An 11-point IQ advantage was predicted for SGA infants exclusively breastfed for 24 weeks versus 12 weeks.
  • Growth of SGA infants was not negatively impacted by earlier nutritional supplementation.

Conclusions:

  • Exclusive breastfeeding duration significantly impacts cognitive development in SGA infants without compromising growth.
  • Exclusive breastfeeding for 24 weeks is recommended to enhance cognitive development in infants born SGA.
Abstract

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