New Study Disputes Breastfeeding Improves Intelligence in Children

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Several studies previously found that children who were breastfed, especially for a longer period, had higher IQs and a better chance of doing well at school. A new study by Goldsmiths, University of London, however, says breastfeeding has no impact on a child’s intelligence.

According to the Telegraph UK, there has been debate about whether previous findings are based on the fact that those from less deprived groups are more likely to breastfeed. The new research project was therefore set up to attempt to distinguish the impact of ‘nature and nurture’ on children, using identical twins, who all share the same genes, and non-identical twins.

The researchers found breastfeeding was associated with a small IQ advantage for girls at age two, but by 16 this had disappeared, and concluded: “Breastfeeding has little benefit for early life intelligence and cognitive growth from toddlerhood through adolescence.”

Study co-leader Dr Sophie von Stumm, from Goldsmiths, University of London, said: “Many researchers have previously investigated whether being breastfed in early life benefits IQ. However, few of the earlier studies have employed strong research designs that produce reliable results. Children – and adults – differ in their cognitive abilities, and it is important to identify factors that give rise to these differences. But comparatively small events like breastfeeding are very unlikely to be at the core of something as big and complex as children’s differences in IQ. Instead, children’s IQ differences are better explained by long-term factors, for example, children’s family background and their schooling.”

Dr. Stumm added that though breastfeeding has amazing benefits including boosting a child’s immune system against infections and diseases, mothers should be aware that ‘being bottle fed as an infant won’t cost their child a chance at a university degree later in life.’

The study’s findings were published in the online journal, Public Library of Science ONE.