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

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 docosahexaenoi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Child development 2009-01, Vol.80 (5), p.1376-1384
Main Authors: Drover, James R., Hoffman, Dennis R., Castañeda, Yolanda S., Morale, Sarah E., Birch, Eileen E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary: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 to 5 d (12 month feeding study), or following 6 weeks (6-week weaning study) or 4 to 6 months of breastfeeding (4-to 6-month weaning study). Infants were assessed with a two-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.
ISSN:0009-3920
1467-8624
DOI:10.1111/j.1467-8624.2009.01339.x