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Effect of breastfeeding on cognitive performance in a British birth cohort

A R Foroushani1, K Mohammad, M Mahmoodi

  • 1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. rahimifo@tums.ac.ir

Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal = La Revue De Sante De La Mediterranee Orientale = Al-Majallah Al-Sihhiyah Li-Sharq Al-Mutawassit
|August 31, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Longer breastfeeding duration is linked to earlier developmental milestones and improved cognitive function in children. These benefits may extend into adulthood, particularly for females.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Early life nutrition significantly influences child development.
  • Understanding the long-term impacts of breastfeeding is crucial for public health.
  • Previous research indicates potential cognitive benefits of breastfeeding.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between early life nutrition, specifically breastfeeding duration, and developmental milestones.
  • To examine the long-term effects of breastfeeding on cognitive performance across different life stages.
  • To explore sex differences in the long-term impact of breastfeeding.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized structural equation modeling on a national birth cohort of 5362 children born in Britain in 1946.
  • Analyzed follow-up data assessing developmental milestones, cognitive tests (verbal, reading, memory, visual), and adult outcomes.
  • Employed path analysis to trace the influence of breastfeeding through developmental and cognitive trajectories.

Main Results:

  • Extended breastfeeding duration was associated with earlier achievement of developmental milestones.
  • Children breastfed longer demonstrated higher scores in verbal tests, even after adjusting for covariates.
  • Path analysis revealed a significant chain of influence from breastfeeding to cognitive outcomes at ages 8-15, 26, and 43 in females, but not in males.

Conclusions:

  • Breastfeeding duration is a significant factor in early childhood development and cognitive outcomes.
  • The positive effects of breastfeeding on cognitive function may persist into adulthood, with a notable sex difference observed.
  • Findings highlight the enduring importance of breastfeeding for long-term cognitive health, particularly in females.

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