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Cognitive function in adolescence: testing for interactions between breast-feeding and FADS2 polymorphisms

Nicolas W Martin1, Beben Benyamin, Narelle K Hansell

  • 1Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia. nico.martin@qimr.edu.au

Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
|December 16, 2010
PubMed

Insights

This study found no evidence that the FADS2 gene and breast-feeding interact to affect IQ. Apparent breast-feeding effects on IQ may be linked to parental education, not genetics.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Neuroscience
  • Human Development

Background:

  • Previous research suggested an interaction between the FADS2 gene (rs174575) and breast-feeding, potentially influencing IQ.
  • Specifically, C-allele carriers of rs174575 were reported to have higher IQs when breast-fed compared to formula-fed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the interaction between breast-feeding and FADS2 gene polymorphisms (rs174575) on IQ in an Australian adolescent twin sample.
  • To examine the influence of other FADS2 polymorphisms (rs1535, rs174583) and maternal FADS2 status on offspring IQ.

Main Methods:

  • Analyzed data from over 700 families of adolescent twins.
  • Assessed IQ, breast-feeding history, birth weight, FADS2 polymorphisms (rs174575, rs1535, rs174583), and parental socioeconomic factors.
  • Controlled for parental education, socioeconomic status, and maternal FADS2 status.

Main Results:

  • No significant interaction was found between rs174575 genotype and breast-feeding on IQ.
  • No main effects of FADS2 polymorphisms or breast-feeding on IQ were detected after controlling for parental socioeconomic factors.
  • Maternal FADS2 status did not influence offspring IQ.

Conclusions:

  • The study does not support the hypothesis of a FADS2 gene and breast-feeding interaction influencing IQ.
  • Observed associations between breast-feeding and IQ are likely confounded by parental education and socioeconomic status.
  • Genetic factors within FADS2 do not appear to directly impact IQ in this cohort.
Abstract

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