Breastfeeding up to six months may lower risk of ADHD symptoms in children

Breastfeeding up to six months may lower risk of ADHD symptoms in children

Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of an infant's life may reduce the risk of developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms later in childhood, according to a longitudinal study from the University of Bergen.

The research analyzed data from 37,600 families participating in the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). Researchers tracked the children at ages three, five, and eight to determine if there was a correlation between early nutrition and the presentation of ADHD symptoms.

ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impulsive behavior, hyperactivity, and ongoing patterns of inattention. These traits can interfere with a child's everyday life, relationships, and school performance. In children, this often manifests as frequent daydreaming, difficulty following instructions, fidgeting, impatience, and challenges getting along with others.

The study found that the protective effect grew stronger as the duration and intensity of breastfeeding increased, peaking at six months of exclusive breastfeeding. While some link was observed with any amount of breastfeeding, the most significant effects were seen in children at ages three and five. By age eight, the association became somewhat weaker.

"We found that the longer a child was exclusively breastfed (up to 6 months), the lower the level of ADHD symptoms at ages 3, 5 and 8 years,"

Berit Skretting Solberg, psychiatrist and researcher at the University of Bergen, via press release

The researchers noted that the association existed for both boys and girls. To ensure the results were not merely a reflection of genetics or home environment, the team utilized sibling-pair analyses, comparing children within the same family who had different breastfeeding exposures. They also adjusted for sociodemographic variables and the polygenic risk of ADHD for the child, mother, and father.

These controls were necessary because ADHD is highly heritable. The researchers pointed out a "chicken-and-egg scenario" where mothers with ADHD symptoms may find it harder to maintain breastfeeding routines and are more likely to have children with ADHD symptoms. Additionally, children who exhibit ADHD traits may be more difficult to breastfeed.

"Even after these adjustments, there was a clear but moderate protective effect of the duration of exclusive breastfeeding on later ADHD symptoms,"

Berit Skretting Solberg, psychiatrist and researcher at the University of Bergen, via press release

Scientists believe the protective quality of breast milk may be linked to its role as a structural architect for the developing nervous system. Breast milk contains beneficial bacteria, antibodies, and amino acids that fuel neurotransmitter production. It is also rich in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are essential for constructing cell membranes and myelin for neural wiring.

Despite the findings, the authors cautioned that the results are not definitive. The study population was not fully representative of Norway, as participants tended to be more educated and more likely to breastfeed longer than the general population. Because of this, Solberg suggested the protective effect might be even stronger in populations where breastfeeding rates are lower.

In the United States, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life when possible. While 84% of new mothers in the U.S. Start breastfeeding, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding drops to 47% at three months and 27% by six months postpartum.

Because the study is observational, the researchers stated it is difficult to draw firm conclusions about causality. Further research is required to understand the specific mechanisms by which breastfeeding protects against ADHD symptoms.