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How good is the evidence linking breastfeeding and intelligence?
Anjali Jain1, John Concato, John M Leventhal
1Section of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Children's Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA. ajain@peds.bsd.uchicago.edu
Pediatrics
|June 4, 2002
Summary
While many studies suggest breastfeeding benefits intellect, a critical review reveals methodological flaws. Higher quality research provides less persuasive evidence for this link.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Cognitive Science
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Numerous studies have investigated the potential impact of breastfeeding on infant intelligence.
- A critical review was conducted to assess the validity of these findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the scientific literature on the association between breastfeeding and cognitive outcomes.
- To assess the methodological quality of studies examining breastfeeding and intellect.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was performed using Medline and reference lists.
- Studies were appraised based on 8 epidemiological principles, including study design, population, sample size, data quality, bias control, blinding, outcome measures, and results reporting.
Main Results:
- Out of 40 reviewed publications, 68% concluded breastfeeding enhances intelligence.
- However, many studies exhibited methodological weaknesses.
- Only two studies met all quality criteria; one found a significant effect, the other did not.
Conclusions:
- The majority of studies suggest a positive association between breastfeeding and intelligence.
- Evidence from higher-quality studies is less convincing.
- Further rigorous research is needed to definitively establish the cognitive benefits of breastfeeding.