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Long-chain fatty acids and early visual and cognitive development of preterm infants
S E Carlson1, S H Werkman, J M Peeples
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee, Memphis 38163.
Insights
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation in preterm infant formula improved visual acuity and cognitive development. DHA may be conditionally essential for preterm infants, but more research on fatty acid balance is needed.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal nutrition
- Developmental neuroscience
- Clinical nutrition
Background:
- Preterm infants have unique nutritional needs.
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is crucial for visual and cognitive development.
- Previous studies suggested benefits of DHA in preterm infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of DHA supplementation on visual and cognitive outcomes in preterm infants.
- To determine if DHA is conditionally essential for preterm infant development.
Main Methods:
- Two randomized clinical trials were conducted.
- Infants were fed formula supplemented with DHA.
- Visual acuity and cognitive scores (Bayley MDI) were assessed.
Main Results:
- DHA supplementation improved visual acuity in early infancy.
- Infants receiving DHA and nutrient-enriched formula showed higher Bayley MDI scores at 12 months.
- These findings provide the first evidence for DHA's positive effect on mental development.
Conclusions:
- DHA supplementation positively impacts visual and cognitive development in preterm infants.
- DHA may be conditionally essential for this population.
- Further research is required on long-chain fatty acid requirements and balance in developing infants.
Abstract:
Preterm infants fed formula supplemented with DHA were shown in two randomized, clinical trials to have improved visual acuity in the first half of infancy. In the second clinical trial, infants simultaneously supplemented with DHA and provided with a nutrient-enriched preterm formula had a higher Bayley MDI score at 12 months than controls fed preterm formula. These data are the first evidence that DHA alone can also improve performance on early tests of mental development. Because visual and behavioural development are improved by providing this single dietary compound, DHA appears to be conditionally essential for preterm infants. Nevertheless, we would like to insert a few words of caution. More information about long chain n-3 and n-6 fatty acid requirements and balance for developing human infants is needed. As formulas are designed to meet n-3 and n-6 fatty acid needs, controlled studies of biochemistry and function should continue.