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Breastfeeding exclusively is crucial for the growth of infants, as the bioactive components in maternal milk, like human milk oligosaccharides, long-chain fatty acids, and myo-inositol, support cognitive development.
Breastmilk has positive effects on infant brain development, a narrative review published in “Pediatric Reports” elucidated. Ellen Schavarski Chade and researchers evaluated the influence of feeding only maternal milk on the infant's neuropsychomotor development, providing evidence-based insights to direct healthcare practices and encourage optimal infant feeding strategies.
The research team examined the relevant literature from May and June 2024, focusing on publications from 2013 to 2024. Keywords ("Brain," "Growth," "Development," and "Breastfeeding") plus Boolean operators were used to identify relevant studies on PubMed. A total of 15,412 studies were initially screened, resulting in 600 articles being selected.
The review found strong evidence linking exclusive breastfeeding to enhanced brain development, including improved brain architecture, white matter growth, and cognitive performance. Maternal intake of omega-3 fatty acids was shown to further boost infant brain health, while micronutrients like myo-inositol in breast milk contribute to neural connectivity.
Additionally, the review suggested that a child's sex may influence the degree of brain development benefits from breastfeeding. Epigenetic factors were also identified as playing a critical role in boosting the neurodevelopmental advantages of sole breastfeeding.
Pediatric Reports
The Influence of Nutritional Status on Brain Development: Benefits of Exclusive Breastfeeding
Ellen Schavarski Chade et al.
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