Breastfeeding Linked to Better Cognitive Outcomes After Socioeconomic Status Adjustment: JAMA
Researchers have discovered in a new cross-sectional study of Chinese youths that there was no association between breastfeeding duration and cognitive performance in unadjusted analysis, but a positive association emerged after adjusting for socioeconomic status (SES). Longer breastfeeding was more common in lower-Socioeconomic status families. The findings support continued policies such as extended maternity leave and workplace lactation support, along with the need for further longitudinal research. The study was published in JAMA Network Open by Xiaoqian T. and colleagues.
In this cross-sectional study, the generalized linear model was used in conjunction with survey weighting to analyze cognitive performance measured by age-standardized $z$ scores. Poor performance is considered a score that is equal to or lower than the 15th percentile on standard tests. The distinctive characteristic of this study is the socio-economic pattern in which the subjects were involved, as prolonged breastfeeding was observed in families who had lower incomes and lower parental education.
Key findings:
- Among the 5,436 subjects (mean age, 12.03 years; 52.5% male), 86.2% (4,686 subjects) were breastfed for greater than six months, while 13.8% (750 subjects) were breastfed for six months or shorter periods.
- Adolescents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds had an increased likelihood of being breastfed for more prolonged durations (26.2%) compared to those from higher SES (17.7%).
- Likewise, extended breastfeeding was more prevalent in adolescents whose mothers had lower educational attainments (31.2%) than higher (24.1%) as well as fathers who had lesser levels of education (17.3% vs. 13.2%).
- After adjusting for potential confounders, a positive but statistically insignificant relationship between breastfeeding duration and both math (β=0.03; 95% CI, -0.06 to 0.13) and word recognition (β=-0.02; 95% CI, -0.13 to 0.09) test results.
- However, the beneficial effects of breastfeeding were statistically significant once the model controlled for SES.
- Adolescents who were breastfed for more than six months had higher z scores for mathematics (β = 0.14; 95% CI, 0.05-0.22) and word recognition (β = 0.12; 95% CI, 0.02-0.21).
- Moreover, the protective effects of breastfeeding against low cognitive function were very considerable.
- Moreover, the protective role of breastfeeding regarding poor cognitive function was considerable.
- It was noted that the greater the duration of breastfeeding, the reduced probability of poor mathematical ability (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.48-0.88) and poor word recognition (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.47-0.87).
The present research involving young Chinese subjects demonstrates that prolonged breastfeeding for over six months positively impacts math skills and word recognition skills, assuming socio-economic status has been controlled for. It can be seen that the breastfeeding effect is a tangible reality and continues to manifest even when individuals reach their teenage years, regardless of whether breastfeeding is more prevalent among poorer people.
Reference:
Tang X, Qiu Y, Qin Z, et al. Breastfeeding Duration and Cognitive Performance Among Youths. JAMA Netw Open. 2026;9(4):e268725. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.8725
