DHA-enriched formula may create smarter babies

Thursday, 15 August, 2013

Infants fed DHA-enriched formula score higher on intelligence tests than those fed standard formula, University of Kansas researchers have found. The results were not immediately apparent, but were noticeable from ages three to six, the researchers say.

In the randomised, double-blind study, 81 infants were fed one of four formulas from birth to 12 months. Three formulas had varying levels of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) - DHA and ARA - and one formula contained no LCPUFAs. Beginning at 18 months, the children were tested every six months until they reached six years of age.

While there was no difference between the groups up to 18 months, those on LCPUFA-enriched formula showed accelerated development on detailed tasks involving pattern discrimination, rule-learning and inhibition between the ages of three and five years. In addition, they performed better on two widely used standardised intelligence tests: the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test at five years old, and the Weschler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence at six years old.

“These results support the contention that studies of nutrition and cognition should include more comprehensive and sensitive assessments that are administered multiple times through early childhood,” said John Colombo, study director and KU professor of psychology.

DHA - docosahexaenoic acid - is an essential long-chain fatty acid that affects brain and eye development. Babies derive it from their mothers before birth and up to two years of age. However, many Western diets are often deficient in DHA sources such as fish.

ARA - arachidonic acid - is another LCPUFA present in breast milk and commercial formula.

The results of the children’s development from the first 12 months of the study were published in Pediatric Research in 2011. These results showed improved attention and lower heart rate in infants supplemented with any level of LCPUFA.

The study was published in the June 2013 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.