[Does supplementation of essential fatty acids influence the visual acuity and cognitive function of term infants?].
BACKGROUND
Norwegian health authorities recommend supplementation of essential fatty acids such as cod liver oil to term infants from four weeks of age. The essential fatty acids are seen as contributing to optimal development of the visual acuity and cognitive functions. This study reviews recent research on this issue.


METHODS
We assessed six randomized controlled trials, published in 1998 and 1999, of which two evaluated visual function and four cognitive development. Outcome were measured by a number of standardized tests. We compared the results from our review with results from a Cochrane review which evaluated six studies published from 1995 to 1997.


RESULTS
Only one of the tests used in the visual acuity studies showed significant effect at three out of the four age-related points in time at which the test was administered. Only one of the tests used in the cognitive development studies showed significant effect.


CONCLUSIONS
The studies reviewed here are in accordance with previous research and do not provide evidence for the claim that supplementation with essential fatty acids as such is significant in order to achieve optimal visual function and cognitive development in healthy term infants.
Totlandsdal
J K
JK
Statens institutt for folkehelse Postboks 4404 Torshov 0403 Oslo. kristina.totlandsdal@helsetilsynet.dep.no
Tvedt
N
N
Breilid
R
R
Rønning
T B
TB
Kogstad
E K
EK
Myhren
K J
KJ
D002657:Child Development / Q000187:drug effects; D003060:Cod Liver Oil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D018849:Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000187:drug effects*
D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential; D003060:Cod Liver Oil