Does Maternal DHA Supplementation During Early Breast-Feeding Have Long-Term Benefits?

Children whose mothers received DHA supplementation during the first 4 months of breast-feeding had enhanced sustained attention at age 5 years.

The omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3) is a major component of developing retinal and neural membranes. The authors of the current study previously reported that full-term infants whose mothers received DHA supplementation during the first 4 months of lactation had significantly improved psychomotor development at age 30 months, compared with infants whose mothers did not receive DHA (Am J Clin Nutr 2005; 82:125). Now, they report visual and neuropsychological development in the same children at age 5 years.

The initial 230 pregnant women were randomized to receive DHA (about 200 mg/day) or an identical capsule with vegetable oil (without DHA) for the first 4 months of breast-feeding. Infants in the two groups had similar…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics