Increase in Infant’s Cognitive Development
Breast milk contains various substances that support babies’ early brain development and might positively affect cognitive functioning.
Scientists also have pointed out breastmilk highly improves certain chemical levels in an infant’s brain associated with cognitive development. Researchers could examine newborns’ brains using a non-invasive imaging technique known as Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. They focused on the cerebellum and the frontal white matter and found significantly higher levels of some vital biochemicals in breastfed babies compared to babies who had been formula-fed. These findings fit with other studies showing that breastfeeding remarkably helps infants’ brains develop healthier and better.
The duration of days where mothers have their babies breastfed was also linked to higher levels of a vitamin-like nutritive element called choline. Choline serves as a biochemical marker of brain development. Higher choline levels in the brain are associated with improved cognition and memory.
More research shows that breastfed babies have higher intelligence scores, are less likely to develop behavioral problems, and may have learning difficulties as they grow older.
