Breastfeeding 'doesn't boost baby intelligence'

Mothers will not make their babies more intelligent by breastfeeding them, new research has found.

Family environment and stimulation of infants are the key to a good IQ –dispelling the myth that breastfeeding aids intelligence in children, a study by the University of Southampton scientists found.

Researchers followed 241 children from birth until they reached four years of age to investigate the relationship between breastfeeding and the use of docosahexoic acid (DHA) fortified formula in infancy, and performance in tests of intelligence.

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The researchers found that, after they had taken account of the influence of mothers' intelligence and level of education, there was no relationship between the estimated total intake of DHA in infancy and a child's IQ.

Dr Catharine Gale, who led the study, said: "This study helps to dispel some of the myths surrounding DHA.

"We do know that there are clear health benefits to breastfeeding but DHA, which is naturally present in breast milk and added into some formulas, is not the secret ingredient that will turn your child into an Einstein.

"Children's IQ bears no relation to the levels of DHA they receive as babies. Factors in the home, such as the mother's intelligence and the quality of mental stimulation the children receive, were the most important influences on their IQ."