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The effect of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on intelligence in low birth weight infant during

Yuan Song1,2, Ya Liu1, Yun Pan3

  • 1Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China.

Plos One
|April 11, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) supplementation during lactation did not significantly improve intelligence scores in low birth weight infants (LBWIs). This meta-analysis found no difference in cognitive development between supplemented and unsupplemented LBWIs.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Low birth weight infants (LBWIs) face increased risks of mental and behavioral issues.
  • Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) are crucial for fetal and infant brain and visual development.
  • The impact of LCPUFA supplementation during lactation on LBWI intelligence requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of LCPUFA supplementation during lactation on the intelligence of low birth weight infants.
  • To synthesize existing evidence through a meta-analysis to determine the efficacy of LCPUFA supplementation.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases.
  • Studies comparing cognitive scores (Bayley Scales of Infant Development [BSID] or Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence for Children [WISC]) in supplemented versus unsupplemented LBWIs were selected.
  • A meta-analysis was performed on the selected studies.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference was observed in the mean scores of the Mental Development Index (MDI) or Psychomotor Development Index (PDI) from the BSID.
  • Similarly, no significant difference was found in the Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ), Verbal Intelligence Quotient (VIQ), or Performance Intelligence Quotient (PIQ) from the WISC.
  • LCPUFA supplementation did not demonstrate a significant impact on cognitive outcomes in LBWIs.

Conclusions:

  • This meta-analysis concludes that LCPUFA supplementation during lactation does not significantly enhance the intelligence of low birth weight infants.
  • Further research may be needed to explore specific LCPUFAs or different intervention timings.
Abstract

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