New Research: Notable Difference in Children Who Receive Breast Milk for the First 6 Months

A comprehensive study conducted in Norway found that children who were exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life had lower symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study revealed that this relationship was more pronounced in girls. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by a short attention span, impulsivity, and excessive physical activity. This neurodevelopmental disorder is often diagnosed in childhood, and both genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role in its development. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Bergen, analyzed data from over 37,000 children born in Norway between 1999 and 2009. The children's breastfeeding duration was compared to their ADHD symptoms at ages 3, 5, and 8. The study found that children who were breastfed had lower ADHD symptoms, and this effect became more pronounced as the breastfeeding duration increased and when the child was exclusively breastfed for the first six months. Researchers also found that this relationship was stronger in girls than in boys across all age groups. The researchers emphasized that while genetics remains the most important risk factor for ADHD, environmental factors also play a significant role in the development of the disease.