Breastfeeding Linked To Higher Intelligence

Babies who are breastfed for longer have higher IQ later in life, suggests a new long-term study.

The study appears to back advice that babies should be exclusively breastfed for six months.

The study, conducted in Brazil and considering nearly 3,500 babies, stressed that there were many factors that contribute to babies' intelligence later in life while ruling out the main cofounders - mother's education, family income and birth weight.

Dr Bernardo Lessa Horta, from the Federal University of Pelotas in Brazil, said his study offers a unique insight because in the population he studied, breastfeeding was evenly distributed across social class - not something just practiced by the rich and educated.

The study considered mixed set of babies, some of them were breastfed for less than a month and others for more than a year. Those who were breastfed for longer scored higher on measures of intelligence as adults. Same adults, according to the study were more likely to earn a higher wage and to have completed more schooling.

"PHE's advice remains that exclusive breastfeeding for around the first six months of life provides health benefits to babies," said Kevin Fenton, national director of health and wellbeing, Public Health England.

"We recognize however, that not all mothers choose, or are able, to breastfeed and infant formula is the only alternative to breast milk for babies under 12 months old."

"It is important to note that breastfeeding is one of many factors that can contribute to a child's outcomes, however this study emphasises the need for continued and enhanced breastfeeding promotion so expectant mothers are aware of the benefits of breastfeeding," added Dr Colin Michie, chairman of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health's nutrition committee.