Breastfeeding Raises I.Q.

Published: 5/28/2008

A large study done in the country of Belarus found that breastfeeding increases both a child’s I.Q. and his school performance. An international team of researchers followed two groups of children, those who were breastfed and those who were formula-fed, from birth till age six-and-a-half. The children were then tested for IQ and academic ratings solicited from their teachers.

The children who had been exclusively breastfed for at least six months scored almost 7 points higher on IQ tests and did better in all academic subjects, especially reading and writing—regardless of their mother’s intelligence and educational level. Researchers suggested that the increase in the children’s intelligence might be due to a compound in breast milk (such as omega-3 fats) or to the increased mother-child contact that usually comes with nursing.

What’s the take-home? The CDC reported in April that breastfeeding is on the rise in the US, with nearly three-quarters of American moms now nursing their newborns. However, many of them are only breastfeeding part time and for less than three months. Only 11% nurse their babies exclusively for the six months recommended by pediatricians.

Breastfeeding rather than formula feeding is already known to protect baby against ear infections, skin irritations, obesity, respiratory infections, diarrhea, type-2 diabetes, and perhaps allergy, and mom against certain cancers. This new research should give new moms still another reason to aim for exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first six months of their babies’ lives. While not every woman is able to nurse her children, there are clearly long-term benefits for the children of those who can.

Archives of General Psychiatry, May 2008