Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders that develop in children. In the United States and Canada, the prevalence is about 6%. The causes of ADHD are not known. ADHD, like autism, occurs mainly in boys aged 3-6, and there are some thoughts that both diseases may have a common mechanism.
Methods: This study uses nutritional epidemiology linked to exclusive 6-month breast-feeding. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported in 2003 and 2007 extensive studies on ADHD involving several million children in 50 states. The prevalence of ADHD in each state in 2003 or 2007 was compared to the average of exclusive 6-month breast-feeding from 2001 to 2004 or 3-month exclusive breast-feeding in 2007 in each of the 50 states. Several parameters, such as premature births, low birth weight, and very low birth weight, that had previously associated with ADHD were compared to ADHD incidence. Other parameters such as obesity, infant death rate, neonatal death rate, poverty, per capita income, and the percentage of individuals enrolled in the U.S. WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program were also compared to ADHD incidence.
Results: A highly significant inverse relationship of ADHD to exclusive 6-month and 3-month breast-feeding in 2007 was observed. Direct relationships were observed between premature births, low birth weight and very low birth weight, obesity, infant deaths, neonatal deaths, and ADHD.
Interpretation: Breast milk contains components that appear to prevent ADHD.