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Effects of supplementation with omega 3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on retinal and cortical development in
D R Hoffman1, E E Birch, D G Birch
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.
Insights
Omega 3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) are vital for preterm infants. Supplementing infant formula with omega 3 LCPUFAs supports optimal visual and neural development.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Omega 3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) are crucial for visual and neural development.
- Preterm infants face unique challenges in obtaining adequate LCPUFAs due to interrupted intrauterine accretion and potentially limited postnatal synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the necessity of dietary omega 3 LCPUFAs for the maturation of visual and cortical functions in preterm infants.
- To compare the effects of different infant feeding formulas on LCPUFA profiles and visual development.
Main Methods:
- Preterm infants were assigned to feeding groups: human milk, corn-oil-based formula (deficient in omega 3), soy-oil-based formula (rich in precursors), or marine-oil-supplemented formula (containing docosahexaenoic acid).
- Red blood cell lipid LCPUFA profiles were analyzed at 36 and 57 weeks postconception.
- Rod photoreceptor function and visual acuity were assessed at 36 and 57 weeks postconception.
Main Results:
- Infants fed human milk or marine-oil-supplemented formula had comparable omega 3 LCPUFA levels, while the corn-oil group showed significantly lower levels.
- The corn-oil group exhibited less mature rod photoreceptor function at 36 weeks postconception.
- Impaired visual acuity was observed in the corn-oil group at both 36 and 57 weeks postconception.
Conclusions:
- Dietary omega 3 LCPUFAs are essential nutrients for optimal visual and cortical maturation in preterm infants.
- Marine-oil supplementation in formula can effectively provide necessary omega 3 LCPUFAs for preterm infants.
- Findings support the inclusion of omega 3 LCPUFAs in formulas for preterm infants to promote healthy neurodevelopment.
Abstract:
Deficiency of omega 3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) in vertebrates produces subtle adverse effects on visual and neural function. Preterm infants 1) are deprived of vital intrauterine fat accretion during late pregnancy, 2) must rely solely on formula for fatty acid supplies if not breastfed, and 3) may have limited postnatal desaturase activity. In a study to evaluate the necessity of dietary omega 3 LCPUFAs, preterm infants were fed human milk, corn-oil-based formula (omega 3 fatty acid deficient), soy-oil-based formula (rich in precursor fatty acids), or marine-oil-supplemented formula (containing docosahexaenoic acid). At 36 and 57 wk postconception, the LCPUFA profiles in red blood cell lipids were nearly equivalent in the human-milk and marine-oil groups whereas the corn-oil group had markedly lower values for omega 3 fatty acids. Rod photoreceptor function was significantly less mature in the corn-oil group compared with the human-milk and marine-oil-enriched groups in early postnatal development (36 wk). The corn-oil group also had impaired visual acuity at both 36 and 57 wk. The potential benefit of omega 3 LCPUFA-enriched full-term formula is discussed. The study supports a role for omega 3 LCPUFAs as required nutrients for the optimal maturation of visual and cortical function in preterm infants.