title: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of supplemental docosahexaenoic acid on cognitive processing speed and executive function in females of reproductive age with phenylketonuria: A pilot study.
abstract: Low blood docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is reported in patients with phenylketonuria (PKU); however, the functional implications in adolescents and adults are unknown. This pilot study investigated the effect of supplemental DHA on cognitive performance in 33 females with PKU ages 12-47 years. Participants were randomly assigned to receive DHA (10mg/kg/day) or placebo for 4.5 months. Performance on cognitive processing speed and executive functioning tasks was evaluated at baseline and follow up. Intention-to-treat and per protocol analyses were performed. At follow up, biomarkers of DHA status were significantly higher in the DHA-supplemented group. Performance on the cognitive tasks and reported treatment-related adverse events did not differ. While no evidence of cognitive effect was seen, a larger sample size is needed to be conclusive, which may not be feasible in this population. Supplementation was a safe and effective way to increase biomarkers of DHA status (www.clinicaltrials.gov; Identifier: NCT00892554).
authors: Emory University, Nutrition & Health Sciences Program, Graduate Division of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors: S H L
authors: SH
authors: Yi
authors: J A
authors: JA
authors: Kable
authors: M L
authors: ML
authors: Evatt
authors: R H
authors: RH
authors: Singh
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D018697:Nootropic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010661:Phenylketonurias / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D005227:Fatty Acids; D018697:Nootropic Agents; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids