Effects of long-chain PUFA supplementation in infant formula on cognitive function in later childhood
Articolo
Data di Pubblicazione:
2013
Citazione:
Effects of long-chain PUFA supplementation in infant formula on cognitive function in later childhood / P. Willatts, S. Forsyth, C. Agostoni, P. Casaer, E. Riva, G. Boehm. - In: THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION. - ISSN 1938-3207. - 98:2(2013 Aug), pp. 536S-542S.
Abstract:
BACKGROUND:
Evidence is accumulating that a dietary supply of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) enhances the development of attention and efficient information processing in infants. However, it is uncertain whether LC-PUFAs in infancy influence cognitive development in later childhood.
OBJECTIVE:
The objective was to determine the effects of dietary LC-PUFAs in infancy on measures of cognitive function at age 6 y.
DESIGN:
Infants were randomly assigned to receive formula containing either docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid or no LC-PUFAs for a period of 4 mo. A reference breastfed group was also included. In a follow-up conducted at age 6 y, children received assessments of intelligence quotient (IQ), attention control (Day-Night Test), and speed of processing on the Matching Familiar Figures Test (MFFT).
RESULTS:
At follow-up there were 71 children in the LC-PUFA group, 76 in the control group, and 88 in the breastfed group. The formula groups did not differ on measures of Full-Scale IQ (LC-PUFA mean = 98.0; control mean = 100.9) or attention control (LC-PUFA mean = 12.7; control mean = 12.8). MFFT error scores were the same for both formula groups, but when making correct responses, the LC-PUFA group was significantly faster (mean = 6.2 s) than the control group [mean = 7.8 s; F(1, 131) = 6.09, P = 0.015].
CONCLUSIONS:
IQ scores of children who were fed a formula containing either LC-PUFAs or no LC-PUFAs did not differ at age 6 y. However, children who received LC-PUFAs were faster at processing information compared with children who received unsupplemented formula. Variation in the dietary supply of LC-PUFAs in the first months of life may have long-term consequences for the development of some cognitive functions in later childhood.
Tipologia IRIS:
01 - Articolo su periodico
Elenco autori:
P. Willatts, S. Forsyth, C. Agostoni, P. Casaer, E. Riva, G. Boehm
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