title: Formula supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA): a critical review of the research.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To summarize results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating growth, cognitive, neurological, and visual development of term infants supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA).
  
  
  METHODS
  The Boyack and Lookinland Methodological Quality Index (MQI) was used to evaluate data from RCTs identified from multiple data bases.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Six of ten studies found the addition of DHA and ARA to have no significant effect on infant development.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  More expensive formula with endogenous DHA and ARA is not necessary. Results from longer studies currently underway will be beneficial.
authors.affiliation: Brigham Young University-Nursing, Provo, UT, USA.
authors.forename: Kristen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Coverston
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tiedeman
authors.forename: Jo Ann
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Abegglen
mesh_terms: D016718:Arachidonic Acid; D002657:Child Development; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D006128:Growth; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D041943:Infant Formula; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D016718:Arachidonic Acid