Effects of long-chain PUFA supplementation in infant formula on cognitive function in later childhood
Peter Willatts1, Stewart Forsyth, Carlo Agostoni
1University of Dundee, Dundee, UK. p.willatts@dundee.ac.uk
Insights
Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) supplementation in infancy did not affect IQ scores at age 6. However, children receiving LC-PUFAs showed faster information processing speeds, suggesting long-term cognitive benefits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Infant dietary long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) may enhance early cognitive development.
- The long-term impact of infant LC-PUFA exposure on later childhood cognitive function remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of early dietary LC-PUFA supplementation on cognitive function at age 6 years.
- To assess intelligence quotient (IQ), attention control, and information processing speed.
Main Methods:
- Infants were randomized to receive formula with or without LC-PUFAs for 4 months.
- A breastfed group served as a reference.
- Cognitive assessments, including IQ, attention, and processing speed (Matching Familiar Figures Test), were conducted at age 6.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in Full-Scale IQ or attention control were observed between formula-fed groups.
- Children supplemented with LC-PUFAs demonstrated significantly faster information processing speeds compared to the control group.
- MFFT error scores were similar between the LC-PUFA and control formula groups.
Conclusions:
- Infant dietary LC-PUFA supplementation does not appear to influence IQ or attention control at age 6.
- Early LC-PUFA exposure may positively impact information processing speed in later childhood.
- Dietary LC-PUFA intake in early life could have lasting effects on specific cognitive functions.
Background:
Evidence is accumulating that a dietary supply of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) enhances the development of attention and efficient information processing in infants. However, it is uncertain whether LC-PUFAs in infancy influence cognitive development in later childhood.
Objective:
The objective was to determine the effects of dietary LC-PUFAs in infancy on measures of cognitive function at age 6 y.
Design:
Infants were randomly assigned to receive formula containing either docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid or no LCPUFAs for a period of 4 mo. A reference breastfed group was also included. In a follow-up conducted at age 6 y, children received assessments of intelligence quotient (IQ), attention control (Day-Night Test), and speed of processing on the Matching Familiar Figures Test (MFFT).
Results:
At follow-up there were 71 children in the LC-PUFA group, 76 in the control group, and 88 in the breastfed group. The formula groups did not differ on measures of Full-Scale IQ (LCPUFA mean = 98.0; control mean = 100.9) or attention control (LCPUFA mean = 12.7; control mean = 12.8). MFFT error scores were the same for both formula groups, but when making correct responses, the LC-PUFA group was significantly faster (mean = 6.2 s) than the control group [mean = 7.8 s; F(1, 131) = 6.09, P = 0.015].
Conclusions:
IQ scores of children who were fed a formula containing either LC-PUFAs or no LC-PUFAs did not differ at age 6 y. However, children who received LC-PUFAs were faster at processing information compared with children who received unsupplemented formula. Variation in the dietary supply of LC-PUFAs in the first months of life may have long-term consequences for the development of some cognitive functions in later childhood.
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