Many studies suggest that babies who are breastfed grow up to be more intelligent than those who are bottle-fed.  Also, this difference is seen more clearly on those who are preterm or of low birthweight. 

A likely explanation for this effect is that breast milk contains nutrients that are not found in infant formulas.  These nutrients, such as long chain fatty acids DHA and ARA, proteins, amino acids including taurine, and enzymes are important for the development of neural tissue.  Breast milk is a mixture of nutrients that commercial formula manufacturers find hard to replicate perfectly.

Mike Woolridge, a senior lecturer in infant feeding at the University of Leeds, believes that breast-feeding builds a better, more balanced brain in terms of its chemical composition.  This can be measured in terms of brain performance.

On the other hand, researchers reviewed the studies that suggest that breastfeeding promotes intelligence (as published in Pediatrics), they found out that most of these studies do not hold up to widely accepted research standards.  Among other things, these studies do not take into consideration other factors that affect a child’s intelligence - like the parents’ socioeconomic status and how much stimulation the child received. 

Those studies that adopted higher research standards do NOT present convincing evidence that breastfeeding directly promotes intelligence. 

The likely explanation for the intellectual difference between a breast-fed and a bottle-fed child, according to scientists, is heredity.  Heredity is the strongest factor affecting a child’s intelligence.  Several studies have reported that mothers with high I.Q. tend to breastfeed.  They tend to be better educated and able to provide a more stimulating home environment.  Therefore, their children tend to be more intelligent.

Also, one cannot discount the stronger bond created between the breastfeeding mother and her child – which many studies suggest has a beneficial effect on the child’s mental development. 

There are many reasons to recommend breastfeeding.  A breastfed child is more able to fight infections, particularly in the lungs and ears.  He is less prone to respiratory diseases and is able to avoid developing allergies.

Promoting intelligence may be one of them - although not all scientists are convinced.

See this related link on baby's nutrition.

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