Breastfed babies linked to Higher IQ
Before the introduction of formula back in the mid-19th century no mother had the choice of deciding between breastfeeding and formula and no infant had control – or ever will – over what they are being fed. In some cases, breast milk was not an option and the other way around. In today’s age, there is no formula that can duplicate the golden standard breast milk has set. To the population who was breastfed, the odds are in your favor! Numerous studies have been conducted to prove that school aged children who were breastfed have a higher IQ scores than those who were not breastfed. A recent study conducted in Brazil at the Federal University of Pelotas revealed that the longer a child is breastfed, the higher the IQ is through the age 30, and the higher his or her income at the time. Many variables …show more content…
These omega-3 fatty acids play a critical role in the optimal structure and function of cells, especially in the brain and eyes where omega-3 is responsible for normal growth, visual activity, and cognitive development (World 's Healthiest Foods). With food being the only source to obtain these fats, the food sources itself are scared. Fish and nuts are the best food sources because the concentration of omega-3 is high. Since fish and nuts are not items you feed to a newborn, a mother must provide these fatty acids later down the line or through breast milk. Doctor Lessa Horta, lead of the study that took place in Brazil mentioned one advantage of breast milk is that it is “rich in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are important to brain growth and development”, the same fatty acids found in foods such as salmon and shellfish. With polyunsaturated fatty acids being consumed at the beginning of life allows a head start in the race to a successful
Before the introduction of formula back in the mid-19th century no mother had the choice of deciding between breastfeeding and formula and no infant had control – or ever will – over what they are being fed. In some cases, breast milk was not an option and the other way around. In today’s age, there is no formula that can duplicate the golden standard breast milk has set. To the population who was breastfed, the odds are in your favor! Numerous studies have been conducted to prove that school aged children who were breastfed have a higher IQ scores than those who were not breastfed. A recent study conducted in Brazil at the Federal University of Pelotas revealed that the longer a child is breastfed, the higher the IQ is through the age 30, and the higher his or her income at the time. Many variables …show more content…
These omega-3 fatty acids play a critical role in the optimal structure and function of cells, especially in the brain and eyes where omega-3 is responsible for normal growth, visual activity, and cognitive development (World 's Healthiest Foods). With food being the only source to obtain these fats, the food sources itself are scared. Fish and nuts are the best food sources because the concentration of omega-3 is high. Since fish and nuts are not items you feed to a newborn, a mother must provide these fatty acids later down the line or through breast milk. Doctor Lessa Horta, lead of the study that took place in Brazil mentioned one advantage of breast milk is that it is “rich in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are important to brain growth and development”, the same fatty acids found in foods such as salmon and shellfish. With polyunsaturated fatty acids being consumed at the beginning of life allows a head start in the race to a successful