A survey that took place across three decades shows that children who are breastfed have a much better time in life.
In a study that started back in 1982, Brazilian researchers have issued their findings on the effects of breastfeeding on children for a period of 12 months, as opposed to those who were breastfed for a lesser amount of time.
They managed to interview 3,500 people from the original group of 6,000 back in 1982, and their findings showed that those who had been breastfed for longer had an average IQ that was four points higher, they earned more money per month (341 reais or €98) and that they stayed in education for about a year longer.
This is not the first study to prove a similar link, but it is thought to be the first one performed in a society where breastfeeding is not dependent on societal or economic factors, as in Brazil there is no link between breastfeeding and wealth.
Dr Bernardo Lessa Horta, lead author of the study, said that "prolonged breastfeeding not only increases intelligence until at least the age of 30 years but also has an impact both at an individual and societal level by improving educational attainment and earning ability."
Via i100. Main pic via Aurimas Mikalauskas/Flickr
