Three Randomized Controlled Trials of Early Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Means-End Problem Solving in 9-Month-Olds

Authors: Drover, James¹; Hoffman, Dennis R.²; Castañeda, Yolanda S.²; Morale, Sarah E.²; Birch, Eileen E.³

Source: Child Development, Volume 80, Number 5, September/October 2009 , pp. 1376-1384(9)

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Abstract:

This study examines whether feeding infants formula supplemented with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) improves cognitive function of 9-month-olds. Participants included 229 infants from 3 randomized controlled trials. Children received either formula supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid, or a control formula beginning at 1-5 days (12-month feeding study), or following 6 weeks (6-week-weaning study) or 4-6 months of breastfeeding (4-to 6-month weaning study). Infants were assessed with a 2-step problem solving task. In the 12-month feeding and 6-week weaning studies, supplemented children had more intentional solutions (successful task completions) and higher intention scores (goal-directed behaviors) than controls. These results suggest that LCPUFA supplementation improves means-end problem solving.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2009.01339.x

Affiliations: 1: Retina Foundation of the Southwest, Dallas and Memorial University 2: Retina Foundation of the Southwest, Dallas 3: Retina Foundation of the Southwest and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas

Publication date: 2009-09-01