London (ANTARA News) - New research found that breastfeeding for longer periods can help develop larger brains.
Daily Mail revealed a three-year study of 128 species of mammals, including humans, found that pregnancy and lactation period longer produces larger brains in babies, the possibility of creating a higher IQ.
Research was conducted by scientists at Durham University, has been welcomed by scientists and add more weight to the argument that "breastfeeding is best."
Professor Robert Barton of the Department of Anthropology University said, "Our findings could not say whether adequate infant formulas or breast milk only as good as in infant brain development, but it raises questions that it could be a further investigation.
"The research we are doing helps us understand the implications of evolutionary change at different stages before and after birth. And we have found that brain growth in infants related to the amount of time and energy used by the mother to her child. "
Barton said there was a strong relationship between specific problem in the way a mother to produce their offspring and the link between fetal growth and length of pregnancy. According to Barton the scientists need to do more research on how growth before and after birth affects the brain anatomy.
The scientists focused on brain size and body, giving the mother and the history of life that are not fixed in mammals, such as gorillas and whales.
The study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The results showed that women who breastfeed their babies for more than three years after hhamil during the nine months to have a longer period of dependence because it is needed to support growth from 1300 cc brain.
However, small animals such as deer, which is roughly equal weight to human beings, just as long as seven months pregnant with periods of breast-feeding for more than six months. The result is 220 cc brain, six times smaller than the human brain.
Helen Robinson, public health specialists in the NHS (National Health Service) North of Thyne, said the analysis would support the suggestion WHO (World Health Organisation) on exclusive breastfeeding for six months followed by breastfeeding until the age old or more, mixed with solid food.
"This reinforces the need to encourage mothers breastfeeding in the first six months of life of children and as long as possible after that," said Robinson.
