Maternal breastfeeding and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children: a meta-analysis

Previous studies have suggested environmental factors may contribute to the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The current meta-analysis examined (1) the difference in the duration of maternal breastfeeding between children with and without ADHD, and (2) the association between maternal breastfeeding and ADHD in children. The data of individual studies were synthesized with a random-effects model. Eleven articles were included in this meta-analysis. Children with ADHD had significantly less breastfeeding duration than controls (Hedges’ g = − 0.36, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) = − 0.61 to − 0.11, p = 0.005; difference in means: − 2.44 months, 95% CIs = − 3.17 to − 1.71, p