I've thought about this headline a lot. I finally decided on the most effective one. After all, few will be surprised by the fact that prolonged breastfeeding is linked to higher earnings in adulthood, according to a study is related to smarter babies, no matter what a study says, as we'll see now. But, given the current situation (and the future), if I say that prolonged breastfeeding and a higher-income adult life are beneficial, I'm sure more than a few will open their eyes and continue reading.
Specifically, the study I'm going to tell you about has found that the prolonged lactation is linked a superior intelligence, to schooling for a longer time and to higher earnings in adulthood. Said like that, everything fits. I will tell you in more detail, because the study is not wasted. Thus, the next time someone criticizes you for having the child "hanging by the breast" you will have one more argument to return the compliment or, at least to feel more confident about yourself or to support your partner.
The study, published in the magazine The LancetGlobal Health, followed 3493 children born in Pelotas, Brazil. After an average of 30 years, the researchers measured their intelligence quotient and collected more information about their educational achievements e income.
"The effect of breastfeeding on the brain development and intelligence of the child is well established, but that these effects persist into adulthood is less clear", says lead study author Dr. Bernardo Lessa Horta, from the Federal University of Pelotas, in Brazil. “Our study provides the first evidence that prolonged breastfeeding not only increases intelligence at least until the age of 30, but also has an impact both individually and socially, improving the level of education and learning. ability to win. "
In the short term, the Breastfeeding It is known for reducing the prevalence of infectious diseases and mortality among infants. The Mayo Clinic describes breast milk as the gold standard for infant nutrition, as it contains the correct balance of nutrients for the baby while boosting their immune system.
Many previous observational studies regarding breastfeeding have been limited due to social patterns. Dr. Horta explains that "What's unique about this study is the fact that, in the population studied, breastfeeding was not more common among higher-educated, high-income women, but was evenly distributed by social class."
The results also suggest that the amount of milk consumed could play an important role.
For the study, the subjects were divided into five groups based on length of time they were breastfedTen variables that may have contributed to increases in IQ were also controlled for, such as family income at birth, maternal age, and parental educational level.
The researchers found not only that breastfeeding led to increases in adult intelligence, longer schooling, and higher earnings in adulthood, but also that the magnitude of the benefits was greater in those breastfed for More than 12 months.
Compared with babies who were breastfed for less than a month, babies who were breastfed for 12 months had four points of higher IQ, 0,9 more years of schooling and earned $104 more per month on average.
Dr. Horta believes there is a biological mechanism which supports the study's conclusions. It says that "The likely mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of breast milk on intelligence is the presence of long-chain saturated fatty acids (DHA) found in breast milk, which are essential for brain development.. And adds: "Our finding that predominant breastfeeding is positively related to IQ in adulthood also suggests that the amount of milk consumed plays an important role."
Although the researchers did not measure characteristics of the infants' home environment or maternal-infant attachment, the researchers say previous research suggests that breastfed subjects have been shown to improve cognitive functioning, even after controlling for home environment and stimulation.
«Our results suggest that breastfeeding not only improves intelligence into adulthood, but also has an effect at both the individual and societal level, by increasing the level of education and ability to win", the authors conclude
When a few months ago we were talking about breastfeeding is good for your health, and good for your pocket I can't imagine that the "pocket"was going to have such a broad meaning.
Image - Daniel lobo.
What exactly did the study find and why it matters?
This work followed thousands of people from birth to adulthood and monitored multiple confounding factors (family income at birth, parental education, maternal age, smoking, birth weight, type of delivery, among others). The key finding is consistent: the longer the duration of breastfeeding, the better the results en I.Q, years of schooling e ingresos when these people reach adulthood.
In the breastfeeding period of 12 months or more an approximate increase of 3,8–4 points in the CI and near 0,9 additional years of study. Income differences were estimated at around 100 monthly monetary units (exact figures vary by conversion and context), which points to an effect with social relevance and not just clinical.
A methodological aspect that reinforces these conclusions is that, in the population studied, breastfeeding was not concentrated in families of higher socioeconomic levelThis reduces the risk that the positive association is due to social class bias, a common problem in studies of observation.
Furthermore, the cohort design allowed for observation of complete life trajectories, capturing how cognitive advantages were mantienen and eventually translate into educational and employment opportunities.
Biological mechanisms: from DHA to the liver-brain axis
Breast milk is rich in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (such as DHA), essential nutrients for the brain maturationThis contribution, together with hormones, bioactive factors and oligosaccharides, creates a nutritional environment that can promote neural connectivity, myelination and processes of learning at critical stages of development.
In addition, preclinical research has described a protective mechanism of breastfeeding against obesity long-term. In animal models, longer lactation periods activate signaling of FGF21 (liver protein) towards the hypothalamus, modulating dopaminergic receptors and increasing the activity of the brown fat, that tissue that “burns calories.” Although these results come from rodents, they illustrate how lactation can program the energy balance with persistent effects.
The sum of these mechanisms (nutritional and hormonal) suggests a plausible biological basis for human lactation to impact not only health not during childhood, but in Cognitive abilities and potential socioeconomic throughout life.
What reviews and consensus say: clear benefits and areas of debate
Evidence reviews have strongly supported the exclusive breastfeeding during first 6 months, with well-documented nutritional and immunological benefits. From then on, with the introduction of complementary feeding, it is recommended continue breastfeeding until the 2 years the poor, whenever mother and son wish, as they agree scientific societies reference.
Now, the degree of evidence on the specific effects of breastfeeding beyond 24 months is heterogeneous. Methodological analyses indicate that, although the general benefits of prolonging breastfeeding are plausible (nutrient supply, bonding, protection against infections), the association with growth results or certain medium-term outcomes present results disparate between studies.
Another piece of the puzzle is the prevalence The global rate of breastfeeding at age two, which has been estimated at around one-third of children at that age, with wide differences between countries. This data helps to understand why the practice may be influenced by sociocultural contexts, policies conciliation and access to professional support.
It should be emphasized that the absence of absolute consensus on some points does not invalidate the associations observed between prolonged lactation y cognition/educational trajectory. Rather, it invites us to continue refining research designs and promoting environments that allow families choose and hold breastfeeding if they so wish.
Strengths and limitations: how to interpret the results
Among the strengths From the longitudinal study we are discussing, the following stand out: great sample, the long-term follow-up and control of multiple confoundersFurthermore, the distribution of breastfeeding across social classes reduces a bias common in other contexts.
Among the limitations, in long cohort research it is common to have a certain loss of participants over time. Although comparative analyses suggest that this loss was not associated with substantial differences In terms of levels and duration of breastfeeding, there may be nuances in education and income that should be considered when generalizing the findings.
Another point is the extrapolation to other regions. The results, while robust in the context analyzed, could vary if the public policies, the availability of parental leave or the support to the lactation. For this reason, many expert voices propose to interpret these data as a consistent signal in favor of promoting breastfeeding, while calling for more studies in various environments.
In any case, the general pattern fits with the literature: breastfeeding shows benefits in cognitive development that can last over time, with potential impact on educational achievements y economic opportunities.
Practical implications, frequently asked questions, and a message for families
This type of evidence does not seek to blame anyone, but rather to offer Quality information for informed decisions. Breastfeeding is a choice that depends on the health of the mother and the baby, of financial available, from work and from the family environment.
– If you are considering prolonging breastfeeding, ask for help from a trained professional in breastfeeding or to groups of financial. Ensuring a good grip and comfortable posture is key to maintaining the experience of form sustainable financing model.
- The mixed lactation and milk extraction They can be allies when the time comes Back to work, helping to sustain the bond and nutritional contribution. Each family finds its equilibrium.
– In older children, breastfeeding coexists with a supplementary feeding varied and balanced. Breast milk continues to provide nutrients and bioactive factors, while the child explores new flavors and textures.
– If breastfeeding is not possible or desired, there are safe alternatives. The priority is people's wellbeing of mother and child, and the respectful accompaniment by the environment and the professionals.
Remember that this information is of a personal nature. general and does not replace the advice of your doctor or pediatrician, especially if there is a health condition that requires a pursuit specific.
In addition to the cognitive and educational benefits linked to prolonged breastfeeding, recent research in women's health has observed associations between total duration of breastfeeding y ovarian reserve markers, as higher levels of the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), along with a later start of menopause. Although these results come from analyses in large cohorts and require further confirmation, they point to possible reproductive benefits to breastfeed for longer periods of time.
Accumulating evidence suggests that the prolonged lactation can promote development neurological more robust, integrate into healthy lifestyles with potential metabolic positive and, in the long term, translate into more years of education y better earning capacityPromoting environments that facilitate this choice—licenses, conciliation, expert advice and social support—is one of the most effective ways profitable to improve human capital from the beginning of life.