Breastfeeding duration is associated with larger cortical gray matter volumes in children from the ABCD study

Abstract

Background Despite the numerous studies in favor of breastfeeding for its benefits in cognition and mental health, the long‐term effects of breastfeeding on brain structure are still largely unknown. Our main objective was to study the relationship between breastfeeding duration and cerebral gray matter volumes. We also explored the potential mediatory role of brain volumes on behavior. Methods We analyzed 7,860 magnetic resonance images of children 9–11 years of age from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) dataset in order to study the relationship between breastfeeding duration and cerebral gray matter volumes. We also obtained several behavioral data (cognition, behavioral problems, prodromal psychotic experiences, prosociality, impulsivity) to explore the potential mediatory role of brain volumes on behavior. Results In the 7,860 children analyzed (median age = 9 years and 11 months; 49.9% female), whole‐brain voxel‐based morphometry analyses revealed an association mainly between breastfeeding duration and larger bilateral volumes of the pars orbitalis and the lateral orbitofrontal cortex. In particular, the association with the left pars orbitalis and the left lateral orbitofrontal cortex proved to be very robust to the addition of potentially confounding covariates, random selection of siblings, and splitting the sample in two. The volume of the left pars orbitalis and the left lateral orbitofrontal cortex appeared to mediate the relationship between breastfeeding duration and the negative urgency dimension of the UPPS‐P Impulsive Behavior Scale. Global gray matter volumes were also significant mediators for behavioral problems as measured with the Child Behavior Checklist. Conclusions Our findings suggest that breastfeeding is a relevant factor in the proper development of the brain, particularly for the pars orbitalis and lateral orbitofrontal cortex regions. This, in turn, may impact impulsive personality and mental health in early puberty.

Establishing associated risk factors, including fungal and parasitic infections among Malaysians living with schizophrenia

“…Unlike cow’s milk or most formula feeds, breast milk contains large amounts of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an essential constituent of cell membranes in the central nervous system. Our observation concurs with previous findings that positively correlate breastfeeding with larger grey matter volume and thus potentially contribute towards better mental health and cognitive function 54 , 55 .…”

Breastfeeding duration and brain-body development in 9–10-year-olds: modulating effect of socioeconomic levels

“…7 Notably, a recent study using the ABCD data showed that longer breastfeeding duration is associated with larger global and regional cortical GM volumes, which in turn impact impulsivity personality and behavioral problems. 3 Distinct from prior studies, we saw most robust findings in the cortical SA associated with breastfeeding duration. Taking this together with known relationships between cortical SA and adiposity markers, it further corroborates the multifaceted impact of breastfeeding on development.…”

“…These results are in line with prior studies showing positive relationship between breastfeeding duration in infancy and global brain measures years later. 2,3,8 A binary categorization for breastfeeding (>0 months breastfeeding vs. 0 months breastfeeding) yielded similar but less significant effects because data distribution within the breastfeeding categories was skewed towards the 1-6 months duration. Our results indicate that increases in the breastfeeding duration are associated with increases in cortical SA, cortical and subcortical GM volume at 9-10 years.…”

“…It is known that longer breastfeeding duration correlates with healthy weight gain and lower rates of infant obesity. 1 Additionally, multiple studies in children at various ages have shown that those who were breastfed longer exhibit white (WM) and gray matter (GM) differences in the brain [2][3][4][5][6][7] that are considered desirable because of its strong association with better neurodevelopmental outcomes. [8][9][10] But there is limited knowledge on if these associations persist into late childhood.…”

“…Using these measures, as opposed to obesity incidence or test scores, we can better investigate the underlying biological changes associated with breastfeeding. We focused on global vs. regional brain measures in this study given prior reports indicating a consistent pattern of longer breastfeeding duration and larger global brain measures years later 2,3,8 but inconsistent results for regional brain measures. [4][5][6]17,18 The current study aims to investigate long-term associations between breastfeeding duration in infancy and brain structure and adiposity indices in youth across SEE groups.…”