05.01.09
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.
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.