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On the positive relationship between breastfeeding & intelligence

Brian B Boutwell1, Jacob T N Young2, Ryan C Meldrum3

  • 1Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice.

Developmental Psychology
|June 29, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Breastfeeding for six months is linked to higher childhood intelligence, but the effect is small. This study controlled for key factors like maternal intelligence and education.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatrics
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • Existing research suggests a link between breastfeeding and improved childhood cognitive abilities.
  • Fewer studies have adequately controlled for confounding variables such as maternal intelligence, education, and home environment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between breastfeeding and intelligence in a large national sample.
  • To control for significant covariates potentially influencing the breastfeeding-intelligence relationship.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of a national sample of approximately 790 American respondents.
  • Utilized multiple intelligence tests to assess cognitive abilities.
  • Employed statistical methods to control for key confounding variables.

Main Results:

  • A statistically significant and consistent correlation was found between breastfeeding during the first six months and intelligence.
  • The observed impact of breastfeeding on intelligence was substantively minor, despite statistical significance.

Conclusions:

  • Breastfeeding shows a small but significant positive association with intelligence in childhood and adolescence.
  • The findings underscore the importance of controlling for confounding factors in breastfeeding research.

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