Neuro-developmental outcome and brain-derived neurotrophic factor level in relation to feeding practice in early
May Fouad Nassar1, Neveen Tawakol Younis, Soha Ezz El-Arab
1Paediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. maie_nassar@yahoo.co.uk
Insights
Breastfed infants show higher cognitive scores and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels compared to formula-fed infants. Breastfeeding is a key factor influencing BDNF and cognitive development in early infancy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Breastfeeding is associated with cognitive benefits in infants.
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a crucial role in neuronal development and function.
- The specific impact of feeding patterns on infant BDNF levels and cognition requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between infant feeding patterns (breastfeeding, formula-feeding, mixed-feeding) and cognitive development.
- To assess serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in relation to infant feeding methods.
- To explore the correlation between BDNF levels, cognitive assessment scores, and feeding practices.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 42 infants (4-6 months old) was divided into three feeding groups: breastfed, formula-fed, and mixed-feeding.
- Cognitive development was assessed using the Bayley Scale of Infant Development-Second Edition (BSID-II).
- Serum BDNF levels were quantified using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique.
Main Results:
- Breastfed infants exhibited higher BSID-II scores compared to formula-fed infants, particularly in the Total Behavior Rating Scale (TBRS) and Motor Quality Percentile Rank.
- Significantly elevated serum BDNF levels were observed in breastfed infants compared to formula-fed infants.
- BDNF levels showed a positive correlation with TBRS scores and a negative correlation with weight-for-age and weight-for-length indices.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding is a significant determinant of higher BDNF levels and enhanced cognitive outcomes in infants.
- Elevated BDNF levels in breastfed infants may contribute to their superior cognitive performance.
- These findings highlight the potential role of BDNF as a biomarker for cognitive development influenced by breastfeeding.
Abstract:
This study was designed to assess brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as a possible candidate for enhanced cognition in breastfed infants. The study was conducted on 42 infants, 4-6 months old, who were classified according to their feeding pattern into breastfed group, formula-fed group and mixed-feeding group. Each infant was subjected to history taking, clinical examination, estimation of the level of BDNF by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique and assessment by Bayley scale of infant development-second edition (BSID-II). The current study revealed that breastfed group had higher BSID-II scores followed by mixed-fed group then formula-fed one, yet these results reached statistical significance only in total behaviour rating scale (TBRS) and Motor Quality Percentile rank values. Additionally, breastfed infants had significantly higher values of BDNF when compared to those receiving formula milk. Negative correlations between BDNF and both weight for age and weight for length scores were detected. Furthermore, significant positive correlation was detected between BDNF and TBRS. Regression analysis studies revealed that breastfeeding is the most determinant factor for BDNF, TBRS and Motor Quality Percentile rank values. Serum BDNF levels are significantly higher in breastfed infants and shows positive correlations with the results of BSID-II. Given that simultaneous increase in brain BDNF occurs due to onsite production, transport from the periphery or both, it is prudent to hypothesize that BDNF could be one of the factors responsible for the enhanced cognition detected in breastfed infants.
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