Researchers have the results of the largest randomized trial ever done looking at the relationship between intelligence and breastfeeding, and the results are promising.
The researchers followed almost 14,000 children from birth to when they were six and a half years old.
Half of the mothers in the study were encouraged to breastfeed, while the other half received no special encouragement.
Follow-up on tests on the children at six years old showed the breastfed group averaged about three to five IQ points higher.
"In an individual child it would be very difficult to see a difference of three, four, five IQ points," said Dr. Michael Kramer of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
"But the whole population shifting by three, four, five IQ points means there are few kids with difficulties and more Einsteins and Mozarts," said Dr. Kramer.
Experts say the improved mental function is just one more reason women who can breastfeed should breastfeed.
The study also looked at blood pressure, obesity, and behaviour among the children, but found no differences between the breast-fed and non-breast-fed group.
Where do the researchers go from here?
Actually, these kids are 11 years old now and they will be assessing them for their diabetes and cardiovascular risks, because some research has already found that breastfeeding may protect against chronic disease.
What about women who can't breastfeed?
This advantage of three to five IQ points is not a huge increase, but it's about the equivalent increase you would see with parents who are really engaged with their children. We're talking about things like reading to your children, talking to your kids, and playing with them. These types of behaviours can really up a child's IQ.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Dr. Rhonda Low
