Higher dose of docosahexaenoic acid in the neonatal period improves visual acuity of preterm infants: Results of a randomized controlled trial

Lisa G. Smithers, Robert A. Gibson, Andrew McPhee, Maria Makrides

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107 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Preterm infants have improved visual outcomes when fed a formula containing 0.2-0.4% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) compared with infants fed no DHA, but the optimal DHA dose is unknown. Objective: We assessed visual responses of preterm infants fed human milk (HM) and formula with a DHA concentration estimated to match the intrauterine accretion rate (high-DHA group) compared with infants fed HM and formula containing DHA at current concentrations. Design: A double-blind randomized controlled trial studied preterm infants bom at <33 wk gestation and fed HM or formula containing 1% DHA (high-DHA group) or ≈0.3% DHA (current practice; control group) until reaching their estimated due date (EDD). Both groups received the same concentration of arachidonic acid. Sweep visual evoked potential (VEP) acuity and latency were assessed at 2 and 4 mo corrected age (CA). Weight, length, and head circumference were assessed at EDD and at 2 and 4 mo CA. Results: At 2 mo CA, acuity of the high-DHA group did not differ from the control group [high-DHA group (x̄ ± SD): 5.6 ± 2.4 cycles per degree (cpd), n = 54; control group: 5.6 ± 2.4 cpd, n = 61; P = 0.96]. By 4 mo CA, the high-DHA group exhibited an acuity that was 1.4 cpd higher than the control group (high-DHA: 9.6 ± 3.7 cpd, n = 44; control: 8.2 ± 1.8 cpd; n = 51; P = 0.025). VEP latencies and anthropometric measurements were not different between the high-DHA and control groups. Conclusion: The DHA requirement of preterm infants may be higher than currently provided by preterm formula or HM of Australian women.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1049-1056
Number of pages8
JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Volume88
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished or Issued - 1 Oct 2008
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Nutrition and Dietetics

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