Breast-feeding Increases Cognitive Development in

Breast-feeding Increases Cognitive Development in Children

Reuters Health reported on September 24, 1999 about an analysis performed at the University of Kentucky were researchers reviewed 20 studies conducted between 1966 and 1996. The researchers controlled for such variables as birthweight, education and other factors.

The results showed a significant increase in cognitive development of 3.16 compared to formula fed babies. The gains were more pronounced in babies born with a lower birth weight than in children with normal birth weight. The increases in cognitive development from breast-feeding were noticed in children as early as six months of age and persisted up to 15 years of age, the longest follow up of the study. The authors of the study did note that several previous studies supported the hypothesis that human breast milk does support neurologic development.