Norway Study Links 6 Months of Exclusive Breastfeeding to Lower ADHD Symptoms in 37,000 Children
Updated
Updated · Euronews · Jun 29
Norway Study Links 6 Months of Exclusive Breastfeeding to Lower ADHD Symptoms in 37,000 Children
3 articles · Updated · Euronews · Jun 29
Summary
More than 37,000 Norwegian children tracked from birth showed lower ADHD symptom levels at ages three, five and eight when they were exclusively breastfed longer, with the strongest association at up to six months.
University of Bergen researchers found any breastfeeding was tied to fewer symptoms, but the apparent benefit increased with both duration and intensity and was strongest among girls at every age studied.
Breastmilk’s nutrients, immune components and pre- and probiotics may help shape early brain development, offering one possible explanation for the association.
The study was observational, so it does not prove causation; the authors said genetics likely remain the strongest ADHD risk factor and called for more research on the mechanism.
WHO and UNICEF recommend exclusive breastfeeding for six months, yet the study found full breastfeeding lasted fewer than four months on average among participants.