An EU team investigated the causal link between breastfeeding and prevention of childhood cognitive deficits. Children who had been breastfed for 6 months showed reduced hyperactivity at 3 and 9 years.
Childhood cognitive and behavioural problems are strongly associated with social disadvantage later in life, yet may be avoided with early prevention. Breastfeeding, particularly during the first six months after birth, may be the best prevention.
Further details: Breastfeeding and cognitive development