Breastfeeding Linked to Improved School Performance

A new study suggests that breastfeeding may be linked to improved academic performance compared to formula feeding.

Several earlier studies support this finding, but have not clearly proved that breastfeeding actually causes an increase in intelligence. For example, it is possible that mothers who breastfeed may be more educated or be more likely to engage in other behaviors that promote intelligence.  

In this latest study, researchers examined data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, which surveyed high school students and their parents. The study included 191 sibling pairs, in which one had been breastfed, while the other had been formula fed. Comparing siblings helped control other factors, such as family environment and parents’ intelligence, which may contribute to academic performance.

The authors found that between siblings, breastfed infants had a 12-14 percent higher grade point average (GPA) during high school and were slightly more likely to attend college than their formula-fed siblings. Both GPA and likelihood of attending college appeared to increase with each additional month of breastfeeding.

However, more research is needed to fully understand how breastfeeding affects cognitive function later in life.

Other evidence suggests that babies who are breastfed are less likely to develop infections (especially lung infections, ear infections, and diarrhea) during their first year of life than babies who are fed formulas. This is because the mother's breast milk contains important antibodies, enzymes, fats and proteins that help boost the baby's immune system. Although baby formulas contain all of the important vitamins and nutrients a growing baby needs, manufacturers have not been able to replicate all of the components in breast milk. Formulas lack antibodies and are more difficult for newborns to digest.

For more information about breastfeeding, please visit Natural Standard’s Medical Conditions database.

Comments

[Jack]

This study just strengthens past research on breastfeeding and higher intelligence. This has been a hot topic in recent years and there have been many well-designed studies that confirm this. The antibodies and other proteins in breast milk must also affect neurological development as well. We all know they help the baby’s immune system, but there also must be another mechanism going on with brain development.

[Jack]

This study just strengthens past research on breastfeeding and higher intelligence. This has been a hot topic in recent years, and there have been many well-designed studies that confirm this. The antibodies and other proteins in breast milk must also affect neurological development as well. We all know they help the baby’s immune system, but there also must be another mechanism going on with brain development.

[diatplan]

Breastfeeding can prevent the development of certain conditions, including type 2 diabetes, ovarian and breast cancer and post-partum depression.