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Our Modern Diet - The Good / Breastfeeding Linked To Higher IQ
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At least 60 percent of the average intelligence gain seen in breast-fed infants comes from breast milk’s nutritional value, rather than benefits from maternal bonding. Add higher infant IQs to the list of potential benefits derived from breastfeeding.
After reviewing 20 published studies on the effects of breastfeeding on infant IQ, researchers suggest that breast-fed babies' IQs may be 3 to 5 points higher than those of formula-fed babies. And the longer a baby is breast-fed, the greater the benefits to his or her IQ. Lead researcher Dr. James W. Anderson, professor of medicine and clinical nutrition at the University of Kentucky, attributes the higher IQ levels to brain food found in the mother's milk.
Breast milk contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) -- long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that appear to support brain development. These nutrients are not found in formulas sold in the United States.
The findings suggest that low birth weight babies receive the greatest benefits from breastfeeding because they do not receive adequate DHA and AA during pregnancy, so they are born deficient in these nutrients. This study confirms that nutrients in breast milk and maternal bonding have beneficial effects on IQ.
Infants deprived of breast milk are likely to have lower IQ levels, lower educational achievement, and poorer social adjustment than breast-fed infants. Other benefits of breastfeeding are that breast milk is easier to digest than formula, it provides natural antibodies that help protect newborns from common childhood diseases, and it is also less expensive than infant formula.
The study was partially funded by Martek Biosciences Corp., a company that manufactures plant versions of two fatty acids found in breast milk, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA). Anderson, who subscribes to the theory that DHA and AA promote lasting brain development, said he sought funding from Martek.
Martek has a strong interest in seeing DHA and AA approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as a supplement in U.S.-made infant formula. Formulas sold in 60 countries contain DHA and AA but they are not approved for use here.
A scientist who has studied DHA and an infant formula maker cautioned that studies have not shown a clear link between DHA consumption and increased IQ. He believes people deserve to understand that while breast-feeding has been linked to cognitive functions, DHA has mainly been linked to effects which are not cognitive, like (increased) attention and other behavioral effects.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition October 1999; 70
If a woman is interested in breastfeeding but still needs to go back to work for whatever reason, it would be very beneficial if she investigated the possibility of pumping or expressing her milk. If you need breastfeeding supplies, such as breast pumps, you can try Nursing Mother Supplies, which carries a wide variety of products to help you successfully breastfeed.
Whenever someone is funding "research" to sell something, I get a bit suspicious, regardless of who they are. The simple solution is to do what mothers have done for centuries - breast feed. It doesn't get any easier than that. Yes, it might mean mom staying home and doing her job of mothering; companies are starting to become more understandable and some have centers where babies can be brought to work; but the U.S. lags far behind in honoring the mother as she once was. Until this improves, do everything you can do to breast feed. And, if you're feeding your baby soy formula, I would definitely read the articles on soy and their inherent dangers. Use our NutritionLocator to find a doctor in your area.
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