Voxel-based morphometry and fMRI revealed differences in brain gray matter in breastfed and milk formula-fed children

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Infant diets may have significant impact on brain development in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate brain gray matter structure and function in 8-year-old children who were predominantly breastfed or fed cow's milk formula as infants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two healthy children (breastfed: n = 22,10 boys and 12 girls; cow's milk formula: n = 20,10 boys and 10 girls) were studied by using structural MR imaging (3D T1-weighted imaging) and blood oxygen level-dependent fMRI (while performing tasks involving visual perception and language functions). They were also administered standardized tests evaluating intelligence (Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales) and language skills (Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals). RESULTS: Total brain gray matter volume did not differ between the breastfed and cow's milk formula groups. However, breastfed children had significantly higher (P