All parents wish to nurture their children’s growth and development. As such, you are likely to be seeking ways to enhance your little one’s cognitive and emotional abilities, setting them on a path towards a successful future. In this quest, recent scientific research has shed light on a breakthrough ingredient in your child’s milk, Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM) with remarkable long-lasting benefits. Beyond its role in nutrition, MFGM has emerged as a great contributor to both IQ (intelligent quotient) and EQ (emotional quotient) development. In this article, Dr. Janice Wong, an experienced paediatrician with an interest in paediatric neurology and neuro-disability who practices at Dr Janice Paediatric Centre at Royal Square Novena, explains how the extended benefits of MFGM can shape your child’s long-term IQ and EQ.
What is MFGM?
Most of us are aware that breast milk and formula milk contain key nutrients that are essential for our child’s development. These nutrients include DHA, protein, iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamins A, B, and C. However, it is worth noting that there is lesser-known ingredient called MFGM which can be considered a super ingredient due to its potential benefits in holistic brain development.
MFGM is, in fact, it is one of the most important components in breast milk. MFGM is not just one ingredient, it is a complex structure that consists of over 150 bioactive components and is a natural source of phospholipids and sphingomyelin that are found abundantly in the brain1. According to emerging research, MFGM is an all-in-one ingredient that benefits brain development, immune function and gut health2. What makes MFGM truly unique? It is the only ingredient that is scientifically proven to support children’s IQ and EQ development up to 6 years of age!
Long-term Benefits of MFGM on Child’s IQ
What exactly is the link between MFGM and a child’s IQ?
In a study previously done on 292 participants, it was found that infants receiving formula milk with MFGM and Lactoferrin for 12 months showed significantly accelerated cognition, language, and motor skills at 12 months old.
1. Improved Cognition: Group fed with MFGM-added formula achieved neurodevelopmental milestones faster by 1.5 months compared to the control group fed with non-MFGM formula.
2. Advanced Language: Group fed with MFGM-added formula were more advanced by 2 months in language milestones than the control group fed with non-MFGM formula
3. Accelerated Motor Skills: Motor skills of group fed with MFGM-added formula were ahead by 1 month in comparison to the non-MFGM control group
Here’s the interesting bit: A recent study followed up on these same children at 5.5 years of age and they were found to have higher composite scores in areas such as verbal comprehension, working memory, processing speed and full-scale IQ. As such, the study concludes that MFGM had persistent effects in supporting the neurodevelopment of pre-school children. Here’s a pictorial guide to the achievements of children who were fed formula containing MFGM:
*When fed with infant formula containing MFGM, DHA & Lactoferrin during the first 12 months of life
Extended Benefits of MFGM on Child’s EQ
While IQ is important, research suggests that EQ may play a bigger role in personal and professional success. The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns among over 42% of Singaporean mothers regarding their children’s social and emotional development, while also impacting it6,7.
The significance of EQ lies in its multifaceted impact on various aspects of a child’s development. Children with heightened EQ demonstrate enhanced attentional abilities, increased engagegment in school, improved interpersonal connections and heightened empathy, all of which contribute to their overall well-being and success8.
MFGM also benefits EQ. In a recent study, there was a significant improvement in behavior scores for children fed MFGM-enriched formula milk as compared to those who were fed regular formula milk. It resulted in more self-confidence, optimism, intellectual ability, and calmness. Additionally, they are more sociable, have better concentration, and have a better temperament8.
Another study was done to evaluate the emotional and behavioural regulation based on the indications that MFGM may have on the central nervous system. The results were promising and suggested that the emotional and behavioural regulation of the children having consumed the MFGM concentrate was better than those in the control group9.
No Child Has to Miss out on MFGM
Having learned about the long-lasting benefits of MFGM in breastmilk, mums may worry that infant milk formula may not contain it. Thankfully, changes have been made over the past century to better match the dynamic properties of breast milk. Infant milk formula manufacturers have converged breakthrough science, composition, functionality, and health-based outcomes, making MFGM-enriched milk formula available to mums and their little ones.
Make the Right Choice Today for a Smarter Tomorrow!
Mums, comfort yourself knowing that the most valuable ingredients in breast milk can also be found in milk formula as it attempts to mimic the nutritional composition of breast milk as closely as possible10. It’s okay not to breastfeed if it’s not for you. Be the best mum you can be by doing what works for you.
However, it is imperative to choose your child’s formula milk carefully. Your goal is to ensure that your child receives not only an excellent start, but one that lasts. Make sure your child’s infant milk formula contains components that will keep him or her healthy and support their IQ and EQ development, as both are crucial for their future success! Make the right decision today for your child to have the best tomorrow. Discover how MFGM can benefit your child’s holistic development. Click here to join the Enfamama A+ Club!
References:
- Lopez, C., et al. “Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces.” 2011, 83:29-41.
- Li, et al. “Improved Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Associated with Bovine Milk Fat Globule Membrane and Lactoferrin in Infant Formula: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.” 2019.
- Wu, S., Harris, CL., Kirchoff, A., et al. “Improved neurodevelopmental outcomes at 5.5 years in children who received bovine milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) and bovine lactoferrin in infant formula through 12 months of age.” Mead Johnson Satellite Symposium, 2022, https://cloudfront.meadjohnsonsatellitesymposium.com/2022/Abstract%20N014%20Steve%20Wu.pdf. Accessed December 08, 2022.
- NielsenIQ. “Baby Power Biennial Report on Understanding the Dynamics of Formula Milk Market in Singapore.” 2022.
- National University of Singapore. “COVID-19 can widen gaps in children’s development.” 21 May 2020, https://fass.nus.edu.sg/cfpr/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/21May2020_ST.pdf. Accessed 1 August 2022.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “COVID-19 Parental Resources Kit – Early Childhood.” https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/stress-coping/parental-resources/early-childhood/index.html.
- Tominey, S., et al. “Teaching Emotional Intelligence in Early Childhood.” https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/mar2017/teaching-emotional-intelligence.
- Xia, Y., et al. “Asia Pac J Clin Nutr.” 2021, 30(3):401-14.
- Veereman-Wauters, G., et al. “Nutrition.” 2012, 28(2012):749–752.
- Martin, C., et al. “Review of Infant Feeding: Key Features of Breast Milk and Infant Formula.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4882692/.
About Dr Janice Wong
Dr Janice Wong Tzen Yuen is a paediatrician with an interest in paediatric neurology and neuro-disability. She is experienced in the management of new born and children disease, paediatric neurology, childhood behavioural and developmental disorders such as global developmental delay, speech delay, autistic spectrum disorder and ADHD. She is also trained to manage children with cerebral palsy and other neuro-disabilities. Dr Wong is also one of the few trained paediatricians who performs botulinum toxin therapy for spasticity.
Dr Wong graduated from the University of Sheffield in 1996. She obtained her postgraduate degree in Paediatric Medicine from United Kingdom in 2002. She later completed a fellowship in Paediatric Neurology and Neuro-rehabilitation at Sydney Children’s Hospital in Australia, from 2005 to 2006. She is currently the Honorary Secretary of the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore.