Supplementing Formula with Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Does Not Enhance Infant Cognition

A meta-analysis of randomized trials found no significant benefit of supplementation on infant cognition at 1 year.

Studies show that breast-fed infants score a few points higher on measures of cognitive development than formula-fed infants. As a result, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) were added to infant formulas because they were thought to account for the benefit of breast milk on cognition. To determine whether the addition of specific fatty acids enhances cognition in formula-fed infants, researchers reviewed 12 high-quality randomized, controlled trials (involving 1802 infants) that compared cognition in infants fed formula supplemented with LCPUFAs and those fed formula without supplementation within 1 month after birth. Each study used the Bayley Scales of Infant Development to evaluate cognition at ages 8 to 16 months.

Nine stud…

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