Prebiotics are a class of small, indigestible fiber molecules present in human breast milk and known to promote growth of good bacteria in the gut. A new study from the University of Illinois involving piglets suggests prebiotics may also improve learning and memory.

Breast-feeding rates are increasing each year, but a gaping disparity between Black women and women of other races remains.  Nationally, according to recent federal data, there is an 18 percent gap between white and black mothers who have ever breast-fed.

This story is part of an occassional series on breastfeeding.