Does breastfeeding at six months predict cognitive development?

Wigg, Neil R.; Tong, Shilu; McMichael, Anthony J.; Baghurst, Peter; Vimpani, Graham; Roberts, Russell

doi:10.1111/j.1467-842x.1998.tb01179.x

Cited by 60 publications

(65 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…These results are consistent with a large body of literature demonstrating advantages of breastfeeding on cognitive function later in life. [28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37] However, it is important to point out that developmental test scores of all 3 diets groups were within the standardized norms, and differences between BF infants and formula-fed effects were quite small in magnitude and thus difficult to interpret in terms of potential clinical relevance. Previous studies have shown lesser advantages when taking into consideration confounding factors or segregating for variables such as being small for gestational age.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Developmental Status of 1-Year-Old Infants Fed Breast Milk, Cow’s Milk Formula, or Soy Formula

et al. 2012

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Although soy formula has been reported to support normal development, concerns exist regarding potential adverse developmental effects of phytochemicals associated with soy protein. This study characterized developmental status (mental, motor, and language) of breastfed (BF), milk-based formula–fed (MF), or soy protein–based formula–fed (SF) infants during the first year of life. METHODS: Healthy infants (N = 391) were assessed longitudinally at ages 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Development was evaluated by using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development and the Preschool Language Scale-3. Mixed effects models were used while adjusting for socioeconomic status, mother’s age and IQ, gestational age, gender, birth weight, head circumference, race, age, and diet history. RESULTS: No differences were found between formula-fed infants (MF versus SF). BF infants scored slightly higher than formula-fed infants on the Mental Developmental Index (MDI) score at ages 6 and 12 months (P < .05). Infants who were breastfed also had higher Psychomotor Development Index scores than SF infants at age 6 months and slightly higher Preschool Language Scale-3 scores than MF infants at ages 3 and 6 months (P < .05). In addition, BF infants had a lower probability to score within the lower MDI quartile compared with MF infants and a higher likelihood to score within the upper quartile for the MDI and Psychomotor Development Index compared with SF infants. CONCLUSIONS: This unique study showed that all scores on developmental testing were within established normal ranges and that MF and SF groups did not differ significantly. Furthermore, this study demonstrated a slight advantage of BF infants on cognitive development compared with formula-fed infants.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Developmental Status of 1-Year-Old Infants Fed Breast Milk, Cow’s Milk Formula, or Soy Formula

et al. 2012

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“…This suggests that factors other than early feeding are more important determinants of cognition. In two separate studies conducted in well-nourished populations, the beneficial effect of breastfeeding on cognitive development in Australian children disappeared after controlling for socio-demographic and environmental factors, including stimulation in the home (Wigg et al, 1998;Zhou et al, 2007). Evidence to date suggests that any advantageous effects of breastfeeding do not seem to be solely attributable to the superior nutrient content of breast milk, and that the beneficial effects of (Simmer, Patole, & Rao, 2008) has failed to show any significant differences in cognitive development between supplemented and unsupplemented formula milk, and there may be other components of breast milk such as enzymes, hormones and growth factors, not present in formula milk, which are more important contributors to cognitive development.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 86%

“…Other research has not found a relationship between breastfeeding and cognition when all confounding factors are accounted for (for example, Der, Batty, & Deary, 2006), and it remains unclear whether differences in cognitive performance reflect a direct nutritional advantage of breast milk, or social and environmental factors that are more favourable in women who breastfeed (Jacobson & Jacobson, 2006). Quality of the home environment has been considered in relatively few studies investigating breastfeeding and cognitive development (Angelson, Vik, Jacobsen, & Bakketeig, 2001;Jacobson, Chiodo, & Jacobson, 1999;Wigg et al, 1998;Zhou, Baghurst, Gibson, & Makrides, 2007). In one study involving a socially disadvantaged population, children aged one and two years who had been breast-fed performed better on the Bayley MDI, after adjusting for home environment (Morrow-Tlucak et al, 1988).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

The Effect of Breastfeeding and Stimulation in the Home on Cognitive Development in One-year-old Infants

Sloan¹,

Stewart²,

Dunne³

2010

Child Care in Practice

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Research on the effects of breastfeeding on child cognitive development has produced conflicting results, and many studies do not account for infant stimulation in the home. The aim of this study is to determine whether breastfeeding predicts enhanced cognitive development in one-year-old infants after controlling for the main socio-economic and environmental factors, including stimulation in the home. This cross-sectional observational study involved 137 infants and their mothers. Information on maternal sociodemographic factors and breastfeeding practices was obtained through semi-structured interview. Stimulation in the home was measured using the HOME Inventory. Cognitive development was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. Mean cognitive scores were significantly higher in breast-fed infants (110) compared with formula-fed infants (105). Breastfeeding duration had a positive linear association with cognitive scores at one year. In linear regression, the adjusted standardised beta for breastfeeding was 0.285, which remained significant after adjusting for confounding variables. Our data suggest that breastfeeding for more than a month may have a beneficial effect on cognitive development, and that there is a doseÁresponse relationship between breastfeeding duration and cognitive development. These relationships are independent of the main confounding variables, including stimulation in the home.

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“…Another metaanalysis showed that only two studies met stringent criteria for inclusion, such as adequate adjustment for socioeconomic status of the family and stimulation of the child (Jain, Concato et al 2002). Of these two studies, one reported a positive association between breastfeeding and intelligence (Johnson, Swank et al 1996), while the other found no benefit (Wigg, Tong et al 1998). …”

Section: Wwwintechopencommentioning

confidence: 99%

The Long-Term Effects of Breastfeeding on Development

Oddy¹,

Li²,

Robinson³

et al. 2012

Contemporary Pediatrics

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Does breastfeeding at six months predict cognitive development?

Abstract: There is controversy over whether the method of feeding in infancy affects intellectual development. We investigated the relationship between breastfeeding status at 6 months of age and long-term

Cited by 60 publications

References 24 publications

Developmental Status of 1-Year-Old Infants Fed Breast Milk, Cow’s Milk Formula, or Soy Formula

Developmental Status of 1-Year-Old Infants Fed Breast Milk, Cow’s Milk Formula, or Soy Formula

The Effect of Breastfeeding and Stimulation in the Home on Cognitive Development in One-year-old Infants

The Long-Term Effects of Breastfeeding on Development

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