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Assessing the effect of docosahexaenoic acid on cognitive functions in healthy, preschool children: a randomized,
1Martek Biosciences Corporation, Columbia, Maryland 21045, USA. alryan@martek.com
Insights
Supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) did not significantly improve cognitive test scores in healthy 4-year-olds. However, higher DHA blood levels correlated with better vocabulary and listening comprehension.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a critical omega-3 fatty acid for brain development.
- Previous research suggests potential cognitive benefits of DHA supplementation in children.
- Understanding DHA's impact on cognitive functions in early childhood is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of DHA supplementation on cognitive function in healthy 4-year-old children.
- To assess the relationship between blood DHA levels and cognitive performance.
- To investigate cognitive test methodology in a multicenter setting.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study involving 175 healthy 4-year-olds.
- Participants received 400 mg/day of DHA or placebo for 4 months.
- Cognitive assessments included sustained attention, vocabulary, and executive function tests.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences in cognitive test score changes were observed between DHA and placebo groups.
- Regression analysis revealed a significant positive association between blood DHA levels and Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test scores.
- Higher DHA levels correlated with enhanced listening comprehension and vocabulary acquisition.
Conclusions:
- Four months of DHA supplementation did not yield significant cognitive improvements in this cohort of healthy 4-year-olds.
- A positive correlation exists between endogenous DHA levels and specific cognitive skills, particularly vocabulary.
- Further research is warranted to explore optimal dosage and duration for cognitive benefits.
Abstract:
The utility of multicenter cognitive test methodology and resultant outcomes of supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid in healthy 4-year-old children was evaluated in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Subjects received 400-mg/d docosahexaenoic acid (n = 85) or matching placebo (n = 90) in capsules for 4 months. Cognitive tests included the Leiter-R Test of Sustained Attention, Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, Day-Night Stroop Test, and Conners' Kiddie Continuous Performance Test. The relationship of docosahexaenoic acid levels in capillary whole blood from a subsample (n = 93) with scores on cognitive tests was evaluated. For each test, results indicated that changes from baseline to end of treatment were not statistically significantly different between the docosahexaenoic acid group and the placebo group. Regression analysis, however, yielded a statistically significant positive (P = .018) association between the blood level of docosahexaenoic acid and higher scores on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, a test of listening comprehension and vocabulary acquisition.
