IQ Linked To Weight Gain In First Month Of Baby’s Life

New research shows that weight gain and increased head size in the first month of a baby’s life is linked to a higher IQ at early school age.

AsianScientist (Jun. 25, 2013) – New research shows that weight gain and increased head size in the first month of a baby’s life is linked to a higher IQ at early school age.

In their study, published in Pediatrics, the researchers analyzed data from more than 13,800 children.

Their analysis showed that babies who put on 40% of their birthweight in the first four weeks had an IQ 1.5 points higher by the time they were six years of age, compared with babies who only put on 15% of their birthweight.

Those with the biggest growth in head circumference also had the highest IQs.

“Head circumference is an indicator of brain volume, so a greater increase in head circumference in a newborn baby suggests more rapid brain growth,” said Dr Lisa Smithers, lead author of the study.

“Overall, newborn children who grew faster in the first four weeks had higher IQ scores later in life.”

According to Dr Smithers, children who gained the most weight scored especially high on verbal IQ at age 6. This may be because the brain structures required for verbal IQ develop earlier in life, so rapid weight gain during that neonatal period results in a direct cognitive improvement for the child.

Previous studies have shown the association between early postnatal diet and IQ, but this is the first study to focus on the IQ benefits of rapid weight gain in the first month of life for healthy newborn babies.

The article can be found at: Smithers et al. (2013) Impact Of Neonatal Growth On IQ And Behavior At Early School Age.

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Source: University of Adelaide; Photo: Christine Szeto (cbszeto)/Flickr.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.

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