09.01.11
Nutraceutical: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
Indication: Immunity in infants
Source: Pediatrics, July 2011 [Epub ahead of print]
Research: This study was part of a larger randomized controlled trial conducted in Mexico by researchers from Emory University and local investigators. These latest findings are based on results from more than 800 women, half of whom took DHA supplements daily during pregnancy. Infants in the study were examined at 1, 3 and 6 months old, and their mothers were asked whether, in the past two weeks, the infants had symptoms such as congestion, phlegm, vomiting and rashes and how long those lasted. The mothers had been provided with diaries to track illnesses.
Results: While both groups had similar numbers of illnesses, infants whose mothers had taken DHA saw many illness symptoms reduced—for example, they spent 14% less time being ill by age 3 months—although other symptoms appeared to last longer.
Indication: Immunity in infants
Source: Pediatrics, July 2011 [Epub ahead of print]
Research: This study was part of a larger randomized controlled trial conducted in Mexico by researchers from Emory University and local investigators. These latest findings are based on results from more than 800 women, half of whom took DHA supplements daily during pregnancy. Infants in the study were examined at 1, 3 and 6 months old, and their mothers were asked whether, in the past two weeks, the infants had symptoms such as congestion, phlegm, vomiting and rashes and how long those lasted. The mothers had been provided with diaries to track illnesses.
Results: While both groups had similar numbers of illnesses, infants whose mothers had taken DHA saw many illness symptoms reduced—for example, they spent 14% less time being ill by age 3 months—although other symptoms appeared to last longer.