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Effects of Different Proportions of DHA and ARA on Cognitive Development in Infants: A Meta-Analysis
Ailing Tian1, Lirong Xu1, Ignatius Man-Yau Szeto2
1Institute of Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
Insights
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) supplementation in infant formula shows positive effects on infant cognitive development. Specific ratios of DHA/ARA between 0.5-1 significantly enhance cognitive function, particularly psychomotor and mental development indices.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Neuroscience
- Pediatric Development
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) are crucial for infant brain development.
- Previous research on DHA and ARA supplementation in infant formula has yielded inconsistent results regarding cognitive outcomes.
- Understanding the optimal supplementation levels is vital for supporting infant cognitive function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on DHA and ARA supplementation in infant formula.
- To assess the impact of DHA and ARA on infant cognitive development.
- To identify specific DHA/ARA ratios that may optimize cognitive benefits.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases up to July 2024.
- Inclusion of nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1039 infants.
- Meta-analysis and subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate cognitive outcomes, including Mental Development Index (MDI) and Psychomotor Development Index (PDI).
Main Results:
- Overall meta-analysis indicated a significant positive effect of DHA and ARA supplementation on infant cognitive development (SMD: 0.21).
- No significant differences in MDI or PDI scores were observed in the overall analysis.
- Subgroup analysis revealed significant improvements in PDI (WMD: 0.48) and MDI (WMD: 0.55) when DHA/ARA ratios were between 0.5 and 1.
Conclusions:
- DHA and ARA supplementation, particularly at ratios of 0.5-1, can significantly enhance cognitive function in infants.
- These findings provide evidence-based guidance for infant formula composition to support optimal neurodevelopment.
- Further research may explore long-term cognitive effects and optimal dosage ranges.
Objectives:
Previous studies have assessed the effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) and arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4n-6)-supplemented infant formula on brain development and cognitive function in infants. However, the results have been inconsistent. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effect of DHA and ARA supplementation on cognitive function in infants from randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
Methods:
We systematically searched and identified relevant literature from the PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases up to July 2024. Standard methods were applied to assess publication bias, sensitivity analysis, and heterogeneity among the included studies. A total of nine RCTs were included in the study, which comprised 1039 subjects.
Results:
Meta-analysis showed significantly positive effects of DHA and ARA supplementation on cognitive development in infants (Standardized Mean Difference (SMD): 0.21; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.38). No significant difference was found in Mental Development Index (MDI) score (Weighted Mean Difference (WMD): 0.20; 95% CI: -0.03, 0.43) and Psychomotor Development Index (PDI) score (WMD: 0.12; 95% CI: -0.11, 0.35) in Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development compared with the control group. In subgroup analysis, when DHA/ARA was 0.5-1, PDI had a significant difference (WMD: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.93) compared with the control group, with no significant difference between heterogeneity (I2 = 46.4%, p = 0.155). In comparison to the control group, significant differences were observed in MDI when DHA/ARA levels were between 0.5 and 1 (WMD: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.07, 1.02), with no significant difference between heterogeneity (I2 = 51.6%, p = 0.127).
Conclusion:
When the DHA /ARA was 0.5-1 can significantly improve the cognitive function in infants.
