We have talked about the benefits of breastfeeding the baby and its protective factor against certain diseases and disorders, both in childhood and in adulthood.
We now know a new benefit thanks to a study conducted in Israel and published in the magazine "Breastfeeding Medicine", according to which breast milk reduces the risk of developing hyperactivity in the child.
A group of 56 children between 6 and 12 years of age diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) was compared with two other control groups: one consisting of 52 siblings of these children without ADHD and another for 51 non-sibling children as well. without ADHD
They analyzed the way in which the children had been fed during the first year of life and found that at three months they were more likely to suffer from the disorder those who had been fed with formula milk compared to those who had been breastfed.
At three months only 43 percent of those diagnosed with ADHD He had been breastfed, compared with 69 percent of the sibling group and 73 percent of the control group.
The difference becomes more significant as children grow up. At six months, only 29 percent of those affected with ADHD had been breastfed compared to 50 percent of the sibling group and 57 percent of the control group.
Dr. Aviva Mimouni-Bloch, from the Tel Aviv School of Medicine, director of the study said:
"The only thing we are pointing out is that there are indications that babies who were fed formula milk are three times more likely to suffer from ADHD than those who received breast milk."
ADHD is the most common childhood neurological disorder and its causes are multifactorial. It is not being said that only children fed with artificial milk suffer from it, as there are many other factors involved, but the breast milk reduces the risk of developing hyperactivity in the child.
In conclusion, the recommendation is the one given by the WHO (World Health Organization), that of breastfeed exclusively during the first six months of the baby's life. There is no doubt that it is the best gift we can give our children.
