A long-term study suggests that breastfeeding for longer is linked to a higher IQ

A study in Brazil has found a link between prolonged breastfeeding and intelligence in later life. Looking at the long-term benefits of breastfeeding, researchers followed the development of 3,500 newborn babies who were given IQ tests when they reached the age of 30. The findings, which were published in The Lancet Global Health, found that those who were breastfed for twelve months or more had higher IQ scores, more years of education, and higher monthly incomes than those who were breastfed for less than one month. The results suggested that IQ was responsible for 72 per cent of the effect on income. The study also stated that the socioeconomic status of the mothers had little impact on breastfeeding results.

Lead author, Bernardo Lessa Horta of the Federal University of Pelotas in Brazil said, "The likely mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of breast milk on intelligence is the presence of long-chain saturated fatty acids (DHAs) found in breast milk, which are essential for brain development.

"Our finding that predominant breastfeeding is positively related to IQ in adulthood also suggests that the amount of milk consumed plays a role," he added.

Breastfeeding has clear short-term benefits, but it is interesting to see the positive impact that this has in later life.