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Breastfeeding Boosts Baby IQs

Common gene helps turn fatty acids in breast milk into brain nutrients

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 6, 2007 4:27 AM CST
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(Newser) – A gene found in 90% of the human race helps explain why breast-fed babies are more intelligent than infants raised on bottled milk, scientists have discovered. Researchers found that the IQs of children who had been breast fed were 6 to 7 points higher than bottle-fed babies—but only if they had a variant of the FADS2 gene, according to the study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The gene helps turn fatty acids into brain nutrients, though scientists don't understand how breast feeding affects the process. The study demonstrates that "nature and nurture work together," said the lead researcher. Breast feeding has also been found to reduce infections and respiratory illnesses.

Scores of women breast feed their babies in Vietnam last summer in a simultaneous breast feeding event.
Scores of women breast feed their babies in Vietnam last summer in a simultaneous breast feeding event.   (Associated Press)
Filipino mothers participate in a nationwide simultaneous breast-feeding last spring.
Filipino mothers participate in a nationwide simultaneous breast-feeding last spring.   (Associated Press)
Mothers breast feed their babies in Cyprus during a synchronized worldwide breast feeding event.
Mothers breast feed their babies in Cyprus during a synchronized worldwide breast feeding event.   (Associated Press)
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Breast Feeding

Breast feeding linked to higher IQ
Guardian (UK)

Breast feeding is in the genes
Telegraph (UK)

Text of research study
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

 
intelligence • IQ • baby • breast feeding • bottle feeding • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences • Terrie Moffitt • fads2 gene

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