The gene, which is inherited from both the mother's and father's side, helps break down fatty acids from the diet that have been linked with brain development. The FADS2 gene comes in two versions: C and G. Scientists found that children inherit either two of the C version, one each of C and G, or two of the G version.
The C version of the FADS2 gene is associated with more efficient processing of the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids found in breast milk. This may in turn help in brain development and function, experts say. The researchers found that children with the C version of the gene averaged slightly higher IQ scores when breastfed as babies than those who were not breastfed.
Breastfeeding had no effect on children with two of the G version of the gene. IQ scores were neither advantaged nor disadvantaged, researchers at the Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London, said.
Scientists used data from two previous studies of breast-fed infants in Britain and New Zealand. The study involved more than 3,000 children. IQ was measured at various points between the ages of five and 13 years in the studies.
