03.23.09
Indication: Brain development in preterm infants
Source: JAMA, January 14, 2009;301(2):175-82.
Research: In order to determine the effect of meeting the estimated DHA requirement of preterm infants on neurodevelopment, researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind controlled trial enrolling infants born at less than 33 weeks' gestation from April 2001 to October 2005 at five Australian tertiary hospitals, with follow-up to 18 months. Researchers compared "high-DHA" (approximately 1% total fatty acids) enteral feeds with standard DHA (approximately 0.3% total fatty acids) from day 2 to 4 of life until term corrected age. Mothers either fed infants fortified formula or breastfed them. If mothers were breastfeeding, then they took capsules containing DHA.
Results: Of the 657 infants enrolled, more than 93% completed the 18-month follow-up. Bayley MDI scores did not differ between the high- and standard-DHA groups. The MDI among girls fed the high-DHA diet was higher than girls fed standard DHA in unadjusted and adjusted analyses. The MDI among boys did not differ between groups. Researchers believe a DHA dose of approximately 1% total fatty acids in early life probably will not increase MDI scores of preterm infants overall born earlier than 33 weeks. However, it may improve the MDI scores of girls.