Mental development

Demand feeding associated with improved cognitive development but lower maternal wellbeing Researchers examined the relationship between feeding infants to a schedule and two sets of outcomes: mothers’ wellbeing and children’s longer-term cognitive and academic development. 

Iron-Fortified vs Low-Iron Infant Formula: Developmental Outcome at 10 Years This study looked to assess long-term developmental outcomes in children who received iron-fortified or low-iron formula. 

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in colostrum, and infant mental development A population-based birth cohort study in Spain was carried out to assess how the nutritional advantages of breastmilk may explain the relationship between breastfeeding and neurodevelopment. 

Does breastfeeding reduce the risk of epilepsy? An observational study of 69,750 infants born in Denmark has concluded that breastfeeding may decrease epilepsy in childhood. 

Breastfeeding associated with higher test scores at age 9 A total of 8,226 9 year-old children were studied in Ireland as part of the 'Growing up in Ireland' study. Information relating to breastfeeding initiation and exposure duration was obtained retrospectively via parental recall. 

Breastfeeding duration and academic achievement at 10 years This study was examined the relationship between duration of breastfeeding and educational outcomes by examining 1,038 children from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study. 

Breastfeeding may have protective effect on child and adolescent mental health A study was carried out in Australia to determine whether there was an independent effect of breastfeeding on child and adolescent mental health. 

Doubt cast on link between DHA and intelligence A recent study was carried out in Southampton to investigate the relation between breastfeeding, use of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) fortified formula and neuropsychological function in children.  

Breastfeeding improves children’s cognitive development The PROBIT study followed up children from the original cohort at 6.5 years of age to assess whether prolonged and exclusive breastfeeding improves children's cognitive ability.