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Long-term neurodevelopmental benefits of breastfeeding

Sari Bar1, Ruth Milanaik, Andrew Adesman

  • 1Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children#$#apos;s Medical Center of New York, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, New York, USA.

Current Opinion in Pediatrics
|July 9, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Extended breastfeeding beyond six months is linked to enhanced cognitive function and reduced risks of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder in children. These findings support long-term neurodevelopmental benefits.

Area of Science:

  • Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics
  • Child Psychology
  • Public Health Nutrition

Background:

  • The American Academy of Pediatrics advocates for exclusive breastfeeding for six months, continuing for at least a year.
  • Extensive research confirms short-term medical, developmental, and emotional advantages of breastfeeding for infants and toddlers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the neurodevelopmental benefits of breastfeeding for preschool and school-aged children.
  • To emphasize the impact of breastfeeding on cognitive development, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on breastfeeding and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.
  • Analysis of research focusing on cognitive development, ADHD, and ASD in relation to breastfeeding duration.

Main Results:

  • Studies indicate that children breastfed for over six months exhibit improved cognitive outcomes.
  • Longer breastfeeding durations are associated with a decreased risk of developing ADHD and ASD.

Conclusions:

  • Breastfeeding offers significant long-term neurodevelopmental advantages beyond infancy.
  • Pediatricians should counsel families on the long-term benefits of breastfeeding, including cognitive and behavioral outcomes.
Abstract

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