Direct Relationship Between Breastfeeding and Higher IQ and Income in Adulthood

Children who were breastfed have higher IQs and incomes in adulthood. Brazilian researchers, in publishing their research findings, stated that they monitored the development and lives of 3,500 infants until the age of 30. According to a report from the French news agency, this research emphasizes that whether a mother is poor or wealthy, as well as her social class, did not affect the results of the studies. The findings of this research have sparked various questions and reactions from experts regarding the factors influencing IQ. Bernardo Lessa Horta, the head of this research at the Federal University of Pelotas in Brazil, stated: 'Our research is the first scientific study to show that prolonged breastfeeding not only increases IQ until the age of 30 but also positively impacts the educational achievements and social status of these children in adulthood.' This research, the results of which were published in the scientific journal 'Lancet Global Health', examined the upbringing of a group of infants born in 1982. The data was obtained from the results of IQ tests of individuals averaging 30 years old, their educational achievements, and incomes of about 3,500 people. The researchers divided the participating children into five main categories based on the duration of breastfeeding. They also considered 10 social and biological variables that may influence IQ in the study. These variables include family income at the time of the infant's birth, parental education, maternal smoking during pregnancy, maternal age at pregnancy, infant birth weight, and delivery method. The results of this research indicate that regardless of family background, breastfeeding leads to increased intelligence in adulthood, higher education levels, and greater income. Bernardo Lessa Horta noted: 'The unique aspect of this research is that breastfeeding was not more common among mothers with higher education and wealth, and the percentage of this method of infant feeding was the same across different social classes.' The researchers concluded that the longer the breastfeeding period, the greater the benefits. An infant breastfed for one year has a complete IQ and about one year more education at age 30 compared to a child breastfed for one month. Additionally, their income will be 341 Brazilian Reais (equivalent to 104 dollars) higher. Mr. Horta stated that breast milk contains long-chain saturated fatty acids that are vital for brain growth and development. He added: 'The amount of milk the infant consumes also plays an important role.' Erik Mortensen from the University of Copenhagen, in an article in the same scientific journal that published the research findings, emphasized the importance of these results in public health science, stating: 'However, these findings need to be confirmed by further research on the long-term and significant effects of breastfeeding on individuals' health and well-being.' Colin Michie, a British expert and member of the Royal College of Paediatrics, welcomed this research in a note. He stated that this is one of the recent studies on breastfeeding, and given the scope and duration of the research, it is very important. He added that breast milk is one of the factors that influence a child's growth and development, but considering its various benefits, health institutions and officials should encourage mothers to adopt this method.