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Relationship between DHA status at birth and child problem behaviour at 7 years of age

L Krabbendam1, E Bakker, G Hornstra

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, SEARCH, EURON, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands. l.krabbendam@sp.unimaas.nl

Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids
|November 1, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Higher docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels at birth correlate with less internalizing behavior in children. This effect was observed in formula-fed infants, suggesting perinatal DHA status impacts long-term behavior.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Nutritional Science
  • Developmental Psychology

Background:

  • Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) deficiencies are linked to behavioral issues in animals.
  • Abnormal essential fatty acid metabolism is associated with psychiatric disorders in humans.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between newborn LC-PUFA status and the development of problem behaviors later in childhood.
  • To explore the specific roles of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid in behavioral outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 393 children was studied.
  • LC-PUFA levels at birth were measured.
  • Problem behavior was assessed at 7 years of age.
  • Analyses considered infant feeding type (human milk vs. artificial formula).

Main Results:

  • Higher birth docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels were significantly associated with lower internalizing problem behavior at age 7 (Beta=-0.32, P=0.000) in formula-fed infants (n=215).
  • This association was not significant in breastfed infants (n=170, Beta=0.11, P=0.325).
  • Arachidonic acid levels showed no significant associations with internalizing or externalizing behaviors.

Conclusions:

  • Perinatal DHA status may have lasting effects on child behavior.
  • The findings highlight a potential difference in DHA's impact based on infant feeding method.
  • Future LC-PUFA supplementation trials should include behavioral outcome measures.

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