I've given this headline a lot of thought. Finally I have decided on the most effective. 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 how much one study says, as we will now see. But, as things are (and the one that comes to us), if I say that prolonged breastfeeding and an adult life with higher income, surely more than one opens their eyes and continues 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 up 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, Breastfeeding It is known to reduce the prevalence of infectious diseases and mortality from them 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 is 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 breastfed. Ten variables that may have contributed to increases in IQ, such as family income at birth, maternal age, and parental education level were also controlled for.
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 benefits was greater in those breastfed during More than 12 months.
Compared to babies who were breastfed for less than a month, babies breastfed for 12 months had four more IQ points more, 0,9 more years of schooling, and earned $ 104 more per month on average.
Dr. Horta believes that there is a biological mechanism that supports the study's conclusions. Say what "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 the characteristics of the infants' family environment or maternal-infant attachment, the researchers state that previous research suggests that breastfed subjects have been shown to improve cognitive functioning, even after controlling the home environment and Stimulation.
"Our results suggest that breastfeeding not only improves intelligence into adulthood, but also has an effect both individually and socially, by increasing the level of education and the ability to earn" the authors conclude
When a few months ago we were talking about breastfeeding is good for your health, and good for your pocket I do not imagine that the "pocket" was going to have such a broad meaning.
Image - Daniel lobo