Judy,
        I think you are right -- that the causal relationship between ADHD
and infant nutrition goes both ways.  (1) it's possible that not having
breast milk might exacerbate problems these kids have metabolizing fatty
acids and (2) it's possible that kids who are born with ADHD are difficult
to breastfeed.  One would need to study the families where the kids started
out breastfeeding and mom stopped before she had intended to, in order to
find out why.  Most of these kids were just formula-fed, in both groups, of
course.  Just because "that's how babies are fed -- with bottles."

But I'm sure there are a number of conditions where the child is born with
issues that make breastfeeding difficult, and so breastfeeding doesn't
happen for as long as mom intended, and then the lack of breastfeeding makes
the initial condition worse.  :(

Also, remember that as far as I know, there is only this ONE study looking
at ADHD and infant nutrition.  I have not kept up with the research in this
area, specifically.  Also, if you try finding this on Medline, be forewarned
that the abstract fails to mention the link with infant nutrition.  You have
to get and read the entire article to find out that formula-use is
correlated with ADHD.

Kathy Dettwyler

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