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Beneficial effects of breastfeeding on cognition regardless of DDT concentrations at birth

Núria Ribas-Fitó1, Jordi Júlvez, Maties Torrent

  • 1Centre de Recerca en Epidemiologia Ambiental, Institut Municipal Investigació Mèdica, Barcelona, Spain. nribas@imim.es

American Journal of Epidemiology
|September 25, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Longer breastfeeding duration improves cognitive performance in preschoolers, even with prenatal exposure to p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT). This study highlights breastfeeding benefits for child development.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Intrauterine exposure to p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) has been linked to reduced cognitive performance in preschoolers.
  • Breastfeeding is associated with both pollutant exposure and enhanced cognitive outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of breastfeeding in preschooler cognitive function.
  • To assess the impact of breastfeeding while accounting for prenatal DDT exposure.

Main Methods:

  • Two Spanish birth cohorts (n=391) were studied.
  • Cognitive abilities were assessed at age 4 using the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities.
  • Organochlorine compounds were measured in cord serum, and breastfeeding data was collected via questionnaire.

Main Results:

  • Children breastfed for over 20 weeks showed improved cognitive performance, irrespective of prenatal DDT exposure.
  • A linear dose-response relationship was observed between breastfeeding duration and cognitive scores across all DDT exposure levels.

Conclusions:

  • Extended breastfeeding duration is beneficial for cognitive development in children.
  • Despite potential contaminant exposure, prolonged breastfeeding is recommended for infant well-being.

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