Breastfeeding enhances the IQ

Researchers who studied 3,393 infants born in Pelotas, Brazil for 30 years found out that babies who had been breast fed for longer time went to score higher on IQ tests as adults. The study was published by the Lancet Global Health. They collected further information about their educational achievement and income.

Regarding the research, the lead author Dr. Bernado Lessa Horta of Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil said “the effect of breast feeding on brain development and child intelligent is well established, but whether these effects persist into adulthood is less clear”.

The study also provide the first evidence that prolonged breastfeeding not only increases intelligence until at least the age of 30 years but also has an impact both at an individual and societal level by improving educational attainment and earning ability.

Dr. Horta believes breast milk may offer an advantage because it is a good source of long-chain saturated fatty acids which are essential for brain development.