MRI study finds 30% more white matter growth in breastfed babies compared to non-breastfed children

Researchers discover substantial differences in myelisation between breastfed kids compared to children fed formula or a combination of formula and breast milk.

UAE, Sharjah, 24th August 2013: In a thought-provoking new study published recently, researchers at Brown University's Advanced Baby Imaging Lab have found more evidence of the beneficial effects of breastfeeding: children brought up exclusively on breast milk, when compared to formula-only and formula and breast milk children, have 20% to 30% increases in brain white matter growth— the part of the brain that has been linked to IQ and EQ.

Using quiet MRI machines to image the babies' brains during sleep, the researchers at Brown, studied the differences associated with breastfeeding. The design of the research involved 133 babies, all from families with similar socio-economic backgrounds, divided into three groups: breast milk only, breast milk and formula, and formula only. Looking for growth trajectories, the older children were compared to the younger ones to establish the differences in the densities of white matter (tissue that contains long nerve fibres, helping different parts of the brain communicate).

Commenting on the findings, Dr Hessa Khalfan Al Ghazal, Director of the Executive Committee for Sharjah Baby Friendly Emirate Campaign said: “The most interesting aspect is that, while we've known for a while that breastfeeding improves the linguistic, cognitive, and emotional capacities and capabilities of the brain, this is the first study to digitally image the effects on children up to 2 years old. This should be an incentive to any mothers in Sharjah who were considering weaning their babies before the 24 months recommended by the WHO.”

Dr Al Ghazal also stressed another key finding in the study: “Myelin, the fatty material that insulates nerve fibres and speeds electrical signals as they zip around the brain, was found to increase very early on and at a remarkable rate.”

The study showed a difference of 20% to 30% growth rate between breastfed kids and non-breastfed, with combination groups showing more growth than formula only, but less then breast milk only. Also, looking at the effect of longer periods of breastfeeding, Deoni and his team found that children who breastfed for longer than a year had enhanced growth trajectories, particularly in areas of the brain associated with motor function.

An earlier study, titled ‘Project Viva', was led by Dr Mandy Belfort of Boston Children's Hospital and involved 1,300 children — making it one of the largest of its kind. It compared different durations of breastfeeding, to pinpoint how their performance differed according to the duration of exclusive breastfeeding. This, again, validates the awareness campaign being conducted in Sharjah to make the emirate a global leader in breastfeeding adoption rates and providing a supportive environment for mothers.

Dr Hessa Khalfan Al Ghazal added: “Mothers in Sharjah will be particularly pleased to know that according to this study, the benefits do not just apply to better language skills as babies, but extend far into their school years. Every mother wishes they could help their child pass their school exams and university exams to find the best career. Now it's no longer just a wish but a reality, because mothers can have a direct impact on their children's academic performance. Breastfeeding is literally the ‘smart' choice for mothers.”

The Sharjah Baby Friendly Emirate Campaign was initiated in March 2012 under the generous patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Budoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), President of the Campaign. The campaign encompasses four initiatives: Breastfeeding-Friendly Nurseries, Mother and Baby-Friendly Public Places, Mother-Friendly Workplaces and Baby-Friendly Health Facilities. The campaign is sponsored by Sharjah Islamic Bank.