**Author details**

3 months, those who were only formula-fed and those who were given mixed breast and formula [35]. The results of this study provide further evidence that breastfed infants have higher degree of myelination compared to the other two groups of children who were formula-fed or given mixed feeding. Furthermore longer duration of breastfeeding results in greater brain myelination as shown in **Figure 6**. The myelination occurs primarily in frontal and temporal white matter, peripheral aspects of the internal capsule and corticospinal tracts, superior longitudinal fasciculus and superior occipital-frontal fasciculus. These regions and pathways are associated with higher order cognition, executive functioning, planning, social-emotional functioning and language [35]. Therefore we can connect structure and function, increased level of myelination with increasing breastfeeding duration. Additionally the percentage of breast milk in an infant's diet has been correlated with cortical thickness in the parietal lobe

**Figure 6.** Association of improved myelination with duration of breastfeeding. From Deoni et al. [35].

We have documented the superiority of breastfeeding and an enriched environment resulting in higher cognitive ability and IQ. We have also shown that infants should be at least breastfed for the first 3 years of life to realize the maximal benefits of breastfeeding. We have presented strong and convincing evidence from various disciplines that breastfeeding result in higher IQ and cognitive functions that last into adulthood. Early weaning and formula feeding are associated with higher prevalence of childhood communicable diseases, diabetes, childhood leukemia, sudden infant death and autism. Additionally formula feeding strains the health

care and public education systems with increased demands and higher expenditures.

The first 1000 days last a life time the rest of our lives, and every child deserves to reach his

Touraj Shafai MD, PhD (Biochemistry), Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and Fellow of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. He is Assistant Clinical Professor at

as well as verbal IQ in adolescents [16].

**8.4. Conclusion**

38 Selected Topics in Breastfeeding

fullest potentials.

**Acknowledgements**

University of California, Riverside, School of Medicine.

Touraj Shafai1 \*, Monika Mustafa1 , Sandra Compsos2 and Lida Niake2

\*Address all correspondence to: shafaidocs@yahoo.com

1 University of California, School of Medicine, Riverside, California, USA

2 Children's Medical Group, Riverside, California, USA
