Randomized trials with polyunsaturated fatty acid interventions in preterm and term infants: functional and clinical outcomes.
The role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in infant nutrition has now been well studied through many randomized controlled trials (RCT) that provide us with high-quality evidence, particularly in relation to efficacy. As a result of a systematic search of the literature for RCT of supplementation of formulas of term and preterm infants with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), we have identified 21 studies that have physiological responses or growth as outcomes. There have been 11 RCT involving preterm infants, and many of these claim a beneficial effect on visual, neural, or developmental outcomes. There are some reports of negative effects on growth in relation to the addition of n-3 LC-PUFA to preterm formulas but not when AA is added with n-3 LC-PUFA. Small studies have shown no differences in prostanoid formation or peroxidative stress between n-3 LC-PUFA-supplemented and unsupplemented infants. There have been 10 RCT involving term infants; whereas some studies report an effect on visual/neural/developmental outcomes, an equal number report no effect. There have been no reports of negative effects of n-3 LC-PUFA on growth in term infants. In summary, there appear to be few safety concerns relating to the use of LC-PUFA in infant nutrition. The potential medium- and long-term effects of including these compounds in the early diet of infants remain to be assessed.
Gibson
R A
RA
Child Health Research Institute at Flinders Centre and Women's & Children's Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia. rgibson@flinders.edu.au
Chen
W
W
Makrides
M
M
D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007225:Infant Food; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008041:Linoleic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D008041:Linoleic Acids; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid