Scientists have discovered that there is a direct correlation between the size of a mammals brain – including that of humans – and the amount of time they suckle.
The longer the period, the bigger the brain.
The findings are likely to add further weight to the "breast is best" argument although the researchers said they were not sure whether it was the energy that milk supplied or the nutrients that made the difference.
"It supports the theory that breast feeding and brain development are associated with each other," said study author Professor Robert Burton at Durham University.
"What we don't know at the moment is if there is anything in mother's milk that helps the brain to grow.
"Its components have been a hot topic among scientists for some time.
"At the moment we cannot say for sure that formula milk is not an adequate replacement."
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