Sideways News

Breast milk does not boost intelligence, study claims

Breastfeeding does not make children more intelligent, according to new research funded by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

A study carried out at the University of Southampton concluded that while breastfed babies do tend to have a higher IQ, this is related to their mothers' intelligence and the mental stimulation they receive at home.

The team found that once maternal intelligence and education were considered there was little difference in the participating children's IQ rates.

In particular, the researchers looked at a group of omega-3 fatty acids, called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are found in breast milk, fish oil and some brands of baby formula and have been linked to intelligence in the past.

Dr Catharine Gale, from the Medical Research Council Epidemiology Resource Centre at the University of Southampton, who led the study, said: "We do know that there are clear health benefits to breast feeding but DHA, which is naturally present in breast milk and added into some formulas, is not the secret ingredient that will turn your child into an Einstein."

The researchers and the FSA emphasised that this does not mean women should stop breastfeeding as it does have other benefits for babies' development.

According to figures from the NHS, around 76% of new mothers start to breastfeed their infants, however many do not carry on beyond six weeks.

Earlier this month, research conducted at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology concluded that hormone levels play a role in whether women can breastfeed successfully.

The team suggested that new mothers with high testosterone levels may struggle to feed their baby.

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