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[Influence of feeding long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on children's health]
1Klinika Pediatrii, Instytut Matki i Dziecka, ul. Kasprzaka 17a, 01-211 Warszawa, Polska. ksiazykj@imid.med.pl
Insights
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in infant formula helps premature babies develop visual acuity faster. For term infants, DHA levels in red cells are comparable to breastfed babies, with no impact on vision.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Developmental Pediatrics
Context:
- Infant nutrition plays a critical role in visual and cognitive development.
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and other long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) are essential nutrients.
- Previous research suggests potential benefits of LC-PUFA supplementation in infant formulas.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the impact of DHA-supplemented milk formulae on DHA levels and visual acuity in term-born infants.
- To assess the effect of DHA-supplemented formulae on visual acuity development in prematurely born infants.
- To determine the necessity of LC-PUFA with antioxidants for low birth weight infants.
Summary:
- Term-born infants fed DHA-supplemented formula achieved red blood cell DHA levels comparable to breastfed infants, with no adverse effects on visual acuity.
- Premature infants receiving DHA-supplemented formula demonstrated faster visual acuity development compared to a control group.
- LC-PUFA supplementation, particularly for low birth weight infants, requires careful consideration of fatty acid concentrations and co-administration with antioxidants like vitamins E and C.
Impact:
- DHA supplementation can be a viable strategy to optimize infant nutrition, particularly for premature infants.
- The findings support the potential role of LC-PUFA in supporting visual and cognitive development in infants.
- Recommendations are provided for the formulation of specialized infant nutrition, emphasizing safety and efficacy.
Abstract:
Milk formulae for term-born infants supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) resulted in DHA concentration in the red cells comparable to values observed in breast-fed infants without influence on visual acuity. Prematurely born infants fed with DHA supplemented formulae achieved visual acuity faster than the non-supplemented control group. The influence of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) on visual and cognitive functions may justify their use if the safety criteria are met. LC-PUFA formulae for low birth weigh infants must contain appropriate concentration of the fatty acids with antyoxidative factors: vitamin E and vitamin C.