Study uses MRI to link breast-feeding, intelligence
The health benefits associated with breast-feeding are many, including lower risk of SIDS, descreased cancer rates and stronger immune systems. A recent study used MRIs to show increased intelligence in premature babies who were breast-fed.
The study examined 180 babies born before 30 weeks of gestation (27 weeks, on average). The participants were given brain MRI scans shortly after birth and again at the age of 7, along with standardized cognitive tests. Children fared better on those tests when breast milk had accounted for more than half of milk/formula consumption early in life.
Read the story in the Washington Post by clicking the link below: