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The effects of breastfeeding on cognitive and neurological development of children at 9 years

A Holme1, C MacArthur, R Lancashire

  • 1Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol, UK. ameliaholme@doctors.org.uk

Child: Care, Health and Development
|February 27, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Breastfeeding does not appear to improve cognitive development or neurological signs in children. The apparent benefits are explained by confounding factors like maternal education and socio-economic status.

Area of Science:

  • Child Development
  • Pediatrics
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • The association between breastfeeding and child cognitive development is debated.
  • Potential confounding factors complicate the observed link between breastfeeding and higher IQ scores.
  • This study investigates the relationship between breastfeeding and cognitive/neurological outcomes in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if breastfeeding is associated with later cognitive and neurological development in children.
  • To explore the influence of confounding variables on the breastfeeding-IQ relationship.

Main Methods:

  • Secondary analysis of a 9-year follow-up study involving 1218 children.
  • Cognitive and neurological development assessed using British Ability Scales and QNST.
  • Data collected via maternal interviews on breastfeeding and relevant child development factors.

Main Results:

  • Breastfeeding showed a significant association with higher IQ scores and better QNST scores before adjustment.
  • After adjustment for confounding factors, the association between breastfeeding and IQ became non-significant.
  • Maternal education, maternal age, parity, housing, and chronic childhood illness were strongly associated with IQ scores.

Conclusions:

  • Breastfeeding was not associated with a significant IQ advantage or improved neurological soft signs in children at 9 years.
  • The observed IQ differences linked to breastfeeding are attributable to confounding factors.
  • Maternal and socio-economic characteristics are key factors influencing cognitive development outcomes.
Abstract

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