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Updated: May 7, 2026

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The effects of parenteral fish oil on neurodevelopment in preterm infants: A narrative review

N Ikeda1, E Shepherd2, M Makrides2

  • 1Women and Kids Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Department of Pediatrics, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.

Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids
|May 19, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Parenteral fish oil supplementation for preterm infants shows mixed results. While some studies suggest potential neurodevelopmental benefits, more research is needed due to limited evidence quality.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Neuroscience
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Preterm infants are at risk for neurodevelopmental challenges.
  • Parenteral nutrition is crucial for extremely premature infants.
  • Fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) is investigated for its role in brain development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing literature on the impact of parenteral fish oil on neurodevelopment in preterm infants.
  • To synthesize findings from randomized controlled trials and observational studies.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed from July 1985 to October 2023.
  • Included were randomized controlled trials and observational studies of preterm infants receiving intravenous fish oil.
  • Studies reporting long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes were prioritized.

Main Results:

  • Three randomized controlled trials and four cohort studies were identified.
  • Heterogeneity in study designs and outcomes prevented meta-analysis.
  • Trial results for neurodevelopmental outcomes were largely null; however, cohort studies suggested possible benefits of fish oil supplementation.
  • Methodological limitations impact the certainty of the evidence.

Conclusions:

  • The current evidence on parenteral fish oil's effect on preterm infant neurodevelopment is inconclusive.
  • Further high-quality research is necessary to establish definitive conclusions.
  • Optimal use of fish oil in parenteral nutrition for preterm infants requires more investigation.
Abstract

Keywords:
Docosahexaenoic acidFish oilNeurodevelopmentParenteral nutritionPreterm infant

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