Does breast milk increase the child’s intelligence? My answer is yes, but it depends. If there is a positive correlation between breastfeeding and later cognitive ability, the effect is slight. Many studies have attempted to answer this question. And many more will follow. There are even studies that look at the studies.
Since mothers who choose to breastfeed generally have higher intelligence, higher socio-economic status, better educational level, and provide an enhanced home environment [1], it may be one of these factors that explain the slight increase in IQ of children who were breastfed. It turns out that a mother’s IQ is a pretty good way to predict the breastfeeding status over other factors such as her race, education, age, poverty status, smoking, home environment or the child’s birth weight or birth order [2]. That is, mothers with higher IQ’s tend to breastfeed their newborns.
Although there have been many studies on this topic, the one conducted by Lucas et al. on premature babies deserves a mention [3].
Two groups of mothers were recruited. The first group had to use formula milk for their babies because they could not produce milk. The second group breastfed their newborns. There was no significant difference between the mother’s IQ for the two groups, so this influential factor was matched.
Mothers that used formula milk had children (tested at age 7.5 8) with IQ scores significantly lower than those from the mothers who could provide breast milk. This suggested that breastfeeding or breast milk was the factor that endowed greater IQ scores rather than the mother’s IQ.
Furthermore, the study found that the physical contact between mother and child during breastfeeding is not responsible for increased intelligence. The mother’s milk was delivered by tube rather than via the process of breastfeeding. This suggests that the components in breast milk were more likely responsible for the positive effect rather than maternal IQ or the physical act of breastfeeding itself.
It seems that the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is receiving all the attention. DHA is found in significant amounts in breast milk and is a structural component of the brain. It has shown to increase the learning and memory performance of animals. These days, most infant formulas contain this nutrient, but of course, if breast milk can be produced, then it’s the best option even if it does or does not increase the child’s IQ.
1. Uauy, R. & Peirano, P. (1999), Am J Clin Nutr. 70, 433.
2. Der, G et al., (2006), BMJ. 333, 945.
3. Lucas, A., et al. (1992), Lancet. 339, 261.
