Breastfeeding could boost pro-social behaviour in children who have a genetic predisposition to autism, a study suggests.
A study found babies with a gene mutation that put them at risk of the disorder were more sociable if they were suckled.
Children with autism are often self-absorbed and seem to exist in a private world where they are unable to successfully communicate and interact with others.
Breast milk contains “love hormone” oxytocin, which promotes trust and confidence, and reduces fear.
Researchers found infants nursed naturally for longer had a raised preference for looking at happy eyes and disliking angry eyes.
But the effect was only significant for those with autism variant gene CD38, which is linked with reduced release of oxytocin.
The study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggest breastfeeding might enhance pro-social tendencies in infants who are genetically at risk for autism.
Kathleen Krol of the Max Planck Institute in Germany said: “This genotype has been associated with higher rates of autism.
“These findings underline the importance of maternal care and oxytocin in early development of responding to social eye cues.”
Breastfeeding has also been found to boost babies’ IQ and reduce the risk of infections, obesity - and even cancer.
A study found babies with a gene mutation that put them at risk of the disorder were more sociable if they were suckled.
Children with autism are often self-absorbed and seem to exist in a private world where they are unable to successfully communicate and interact with others.
Breast milk contains “love hormone” oxytocin, which promotes trust and confidence, and reduces fear.
Researchers found infants nursed naturally for longer had a raised preference for looking at happy eyes and disliking angry eyes.
But the effect was only significant for those with autism variant gene CD38, which is linked with reduced release of oxytocin.
The study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggest breastfeeding might enhance pro-social tendencies in infants who are genetically at risk for autism.
Kathleen Krol of the Max Planck Institute in Germany said: “This genotype has been associated with higher rates of autism.
“These findings underline the importance of maternal care and oxytocin in early development of responding to social eye cues.”
Breastfeeding has also been found to boost babies’ IQ and reduce the risk of infections, obesity - and even cancer.
This is a big fat load of rubbish.
ReplyDeleteSeconded!
ReplyDeleteThose of us who were not breastfed and not autistic nko? Scientists are running out of ideas
ReplyDelete