The Effect of Breastfeeding on Children's Intelligence

Abstract

We conducted a critical review to see from the many studies that breafeeding has an effect on children's intelligence. Breast milk is a complete and ideal nutrition for babies because it contains vitamins, proteins, fats, and antibodies. This study is a literature review on the effect of breastfeeding on intelligence. Sources for conducting this literature review include a systematic search of computerized databases (Cochrane Library, Google scholar, EbscoHost, Lancet, BMC, and Pubmed) in the form of 18 research journals, 16 journals using quantitative methods, and 2 journals using qualitative methods. Two independent searches were performed using Medline, LILACS, SCIELO and Web of Science. Fixed and random effects models were used to pool the effect estimates, and a random-effects regression was used to assess potential sources of heterogeneity. We included of 18 studies stated that infants who were breastfed for approximately 12 months had higher intelligence test results than those who were not breastfed. In addition, longer breastfeeding duration and periods were associated with higher intelligence scores. In a randomized study, it was shown that subjects who were breastfed for approximately 12 months had a higher IQ of 4,6- 6.0 points than those who were not breastfed with (p = 0.06), 95% confidence interval. So that children who are breastfed are 1 to 6 months more advanced in cognitive development than children who have never been breastfed. We found no bias in publications. Breast milk has an effect on children's intelligence and is seen significantly after 3-5 years of age through intelligence tests. Breastfeeding is recommended for at least 12 months to increase children's intelligence.