Research Trends of Breastfeeding and Infant Formula in Relation to Neurological Disorders: A Bibliometric Mapping Analysis.

BACKGROUND

Neurological disorders (NDs) represent the leading cause of disability and the second most significant contributor to global mortality. Exclusive breastfeeding supports early neural development and may provide protective effects against NDs. This study aimed to examine the foundational concepts and intellectual framework of the existing literature concerning breastfeeding in the context of NDs.

METHODS

Literature published from 1956 to 2025 was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. A total of 252 English-language articles were analyzed using VOSviewer (v1.6.20) and R software (v4.3.3). The analysis examined publication trends, countries, institutions, authors, journals, and keywords.

RESULTS

Annual publication trends indicated an overall upward trajectory, peaking at 25 in 2024. The United States was the most productive country, followed by Italy and Germany. Leading institutions included Ruhr University Bochum and the University of British Columbia. The most influential authors were K. Hellwig and A. Langer Gould. Core journals were Breastfeeding Medicine, Epilepsia, and Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders. Keyword analysis identified "pregnancy," "breastfeeding," and "multiple sclerosis" as dominant themes, with research evolving from pharmacological concerns toward risk-benefit evaluations and exposure assessments.

CONCLUSION

This study provides the first bibliometric analysis of research linking breastfeeding and infant formula with NDs. It maps the growth, key contributors, and thematic evolution of the field, highlighting a transition toward evidence-based clinical guidance and identifying gaps for future research.