Growth and development of preterm infants fed infant formulas containing docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid

To evaluate safety and benefits of feeding preterm infants formulas containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) until 92 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA), with follow-up to 118 weeks PMA. This double-blinded study of 361 preterm infants randomized across three formula groups: (1) c...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of pediatrics 2005-04, Vol.146 (4), p.461-468
Main Authors: Clandinin, M. Thomas, Van Aerde, John E., Merkel, Kimberly L., Harris, Cheryl L., Springer, Mary Alice, Hansen, James W., Diersen-Schade, Deborah A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Arachidonic Acid - administration & dosage
Biological and medical sciences
Docosahexaenoic Acids - administration & dosage
Double-Blind Method
Female
Follow-Up Studies
General aspects
Humans
Infant Formula
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature - growth & development
Male
Medical sciences
Prospective Studies
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Summary:To evaluate safety and benefits of feeding preterm infants formulas containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) until 92 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA), with follow-up to 118 weeks PMA. This double-blinded study of 361 preterm infants randomized across three formula groups: (1) control, no supplementation; (2) algal-DHA (DHA from algal oil, ARA from fungal oil); and (3) fish-DHA (DHA from fish oil, ARA from fungal oil). Term infants breast-fed ≥4 months (n = 105) were a reference group. Outcomes included growth, tolerance, adverse events, and Bayley development scores. Weight of the algal-DHA group was significantly greater than the control group from 66 to 118 weeks PMA and the fish-DHA group at 118 weeks PMA but did not differ from term infants at 118 weeks PMA. The algal-DHA group was significantly longer than the control group at 48, 79, and 92 weeks PMA and the fish-DHA group at 57, 79, and 92 weeks PMA but did not differ from term infants from 79 to 118 weeks PMA. Supplemented groups had higher Bayley mental and psychomotor development scores at 118 weeks PMA than did the control group. Supplementation did not increase morbidity or adverse events. Feeding formulas with DHA and ARA from algal and fungal oils resulted in enhanced growth. Both supplemented formulas provided better developmental outcomes than unsupplemented formulas.
ISSN:0022-3476
1097-6833
DOI:10.1016/j.jpeds.2004.11.030