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Breastfeeding and intelligence of preschool children

R F Slykerman1, J M D Thompson, D M O Becroft

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|September 29, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Breastfeeding may boost intelligence in some children. For infants born small for gestational age (SGA), longer breastfeeding durations were linked to higher IQ scores at 3.5 years old.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Infant feeding practices, particularly breastfeeding, are crucial for child development.
  • Cognitive development is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors.
  • Children born small for gestational age (SGA) may face unique developmental challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if breastfeeding duration influences intelligence in 3.5-year-old children.
  • To examine this relationship specifically within a cohort of infants born SGA.
  • To assess the impact of breastfeeding on cognitive outcomes in early childhood.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 550 European children was followed from birth.
  • Children were categorized as small for gestational age (SGA) or appropriate for gestational age (AGA).
  • Breastfeeding duration was recorded, and intelligence was assessed using the Stanford Binet Intelligence Scale.

Main Results:

  • No significant association between breastfeeding and intelligence was found in the overall sample.
  • A significant positive relationship was observed in the SGA subgroup.
  • SGA children breastfed for over 12 months showed an average IQ increase of 6.0 points compared to non-breastfed SGA children.

Conclusions:

  • Breastfeeding appears particularly beneficial for the cognitive development of preschool-aged children born SGA.
  • These findings highlight a potential intervention point to support cognitive trajectories in vulnerable infants.
  • Further research may elucidate the specific mechanisms driving this enhanced cognitive benefit.
Abstract

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