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Effect of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on neurodevelopmental outcome in full-term infants
1Department of Pediatrics-Developmental Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands. m.hadders-algra@med.umcg.nl
Insights
Supplementing infant formula with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) shows short-term benefits for infant neurodevelopment. However, evidence for long-term effects beyond four months is lacking, with potential later emergence of benefits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- The human brain undergoes significant development, particularly in early life, with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) like DHA and AA being crucial components.
- Breastfeeding, which naturally provides LCPUFA, is linked to superior developmental outcomes compared to standard infant formula.
- This raises questions about the impact of LCPUFA supplementation in infant formulas on neurodevelopment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing evidence on the effects of LCPUFA supplementation in infant formula on the neurodevelopmental outcomes of full-term infants.
- To assess whether LCPUFA supplementation can enhance neurodevelopmental trajectories.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of studies examining LCPUFA supplementation in full-term infant formula.
- Analysis of neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants receiving supplemented versus unsupplemented formula.
Main Results:
- Postnatal LCPUFA supplementation of infant formula is associated with positive short-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- No evidence currently supports enhanced neurodevelopmental outcomes beyond four months of age due to LCPUFA supplementation.
- Limited data exists regarding long-term neurodevelopmental effects into school age or later.
Conclusions:
- LCPUFA supplementation in infant formula offers short-term neurodevelopmental advantages.
- The long-term impact of LCPUFA supplementation on neurodevelopment remains largely unknown, with potential for effects to manifest later in development.
- Further research is needed to explore the long-term consequences of LCPUFA supplementation on cognitive functions expressed at school age and beyond.
Abstract:
It takes more than 20 years before the human brain obtains its complex, adult configuration. Most dramatic developmental changes occur prenatally and early postnatally. During development, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) such as doxosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) are accreted in the brain. Since breastfeeding is associated with a better developmental outcome than formula feeding, and human milk in contrast to traditional standard formula contains LCPUFA, the question arose whether LCPUFA supplementation of infant formula may promote the neurodevelopmental outcome. The current paper reviews the evidence available in full-term infants. It concludes that postnatal supplementation of formula with LCPUFA is associated with a beneficial effect on short-term neurodevelopmental outcome. However, no evidence is available that LCPUFA supplementation enhances neurodevelopmental outcome in full-term infants beyond the age of four months. Nevertheless, it should be realized that very limited information is available on the effect of LCPUFA supplementation on neurodevelopmental outcome at school age or later. It is conceivable that effects of LCPUFA supplementation first emerge or re-emerge at school age when more complex neural functions are expressed.
