Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in preterm infants

Area of Science:

• Neonatal nutrition
• Developmental pediatrics
• Essential fatty acids

Background:

• Preterm infants may have limited ability to synthesize long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) from essential fatty acids.
• The necessity of LCPUFA for developing brains and retinas in preterm infants is debated.
• This review assesses the safety and efficacy of LCPUFA supplementation in preterm infant formula.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the benefits of supplementing infant formula with LCPUFA for preterm infants.
• To determine the safety of LCPUFA supplementation in preterm infant formula.
• To review randomized trials assessing clinical endpoints in preterm infants fed supplemented formula.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of MEDLINE and reference lists of relevant articles and conference proceedings.
• Inclusion of all randomized trials with clinical endpoints for formula supplemented with LCPUFA.
• Assessment of trial quality, with eight trials identified and five deemed high quality.

Main Results:

• Some studies suggest improved early visual development with LCPUFA supplementation, but effects were not long-term.
• No consistent differences in visual acuity or infant development were observed across all studies.
• Growth parameters showed varied results, with no impairment and some studies indicating potential benefits in supplemented preterm infants.

Conclusions:

• No long-term benefits of LCPUFA-supplemented formula for preterm infants have been demonstrated.
• Evidence suggests n-3 LCPUFA supplementation may enhance early visual maturation in preterm infants.
• Formula supplementation with n-3 and n-6 LCPUFA does not negatively impact preterm infant growth.