The impact of breast milk feeding on early brain development in preterm infants in China: An observational study
Yao Zhang1,2, Qingqi Deng1, Jinhua Wang3
1Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Insights
Breastfeeding preterm infants is linked to enhanced gray matter volume and brain function compared to formula feeding. This suggests breast milk positively influences early brain development in premature babies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Epidemiological studies link breastfeeding to improved cognitive function in children.
- Emerging research investigates breastfeeding's impact on preterm infant brain development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare brain gray matter structure and function in preterm infants fed breast milk versus formula.
- Utilize advanced magnetic resonance imaging techniques for detailed analysis.
Main Methods:
- Structural and functional MRI scans were performed on breast milk-fed (n=34) and formula-fed (n=22) preterm infants around 32 weeks gestation.
- Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) analysis were employed to assess gray matter differences.
- MATLAB software was used for data analysis.
Main Results:
- No significant demographic differences were observed between the breast milk and formula groups.
- Breast milk-fed infants exhibited greater regional gray matter volume in areas including the frontal and temporal lobes and caudate nucleus (p<0.01).
- Functional MRI revealed increased brain activation in the right superior temporal gyrus for breast milk-fed infants.
Conclusions:
- Preterm infants fed breast milk demonstrated superior gray matter development and function compared to formula-fed infants.
- Early postnatal breast milk feeding appears to positively influence brain development in preterm infants.
Background:
The prevailing consensus from large epidemiological studies is that breastfeeding is associated with improved IQ and cognitive functioning in later childhood and adolescence. Current research is exploring the association between breastfeeding and early brain development in preterm infants.
Objective:
To explore the differences in brain gray matter between breastmilk-fed and formula-fed preterm infants using structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging.
Methods:
A convenience sample of breastmilk-fed preterm infants(n = 34) and formula-fed infants (n = 22) aged approximately 32 weeks. At near term-equivalent age, MR scanning was performed. Gray matter structural and functional differences between the two groups were assessed using MATLAB software for voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) analysis.
Results:
Maternal and neonatal demographic characteristics showed no significant difference between the two groups. Breastmilk-fed infants had greater regional gray matter volume on MRI than formula-fed infants in multiple brain regions, including the bilateral frontal lobe (BA11, BA46), right temporal lobe (BA37), and left caudate nucleus, at a statistical threshold of p<0.01 (AlphaSim corrected) with a cluster size of >40 voxels. Compared with formula-fed infants, breastmilk-fed infants showed increased brain activation on fMRI in the right superior temporal gyrus (BA41).
Conclusion:
Breastmilk-fed infants had greater regional gray matter development and increased regional gray matter function compared with formula-fed infants at near term-equivalent age, suggesting breastmilk feeding in the early period after birth may have some degree of influence on early brain development in preterm infants.
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