The role of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) in growth and development

M Hadders-Algra*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

18 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

It is debatable whether supplementation of infant formula with LCPUFA has an effect on infant growth and development. Up till now, there is little evidence of a negative effect on infant growth. A review of randomized controlled trials in term infants revealed that LCPUFA, in particularly supplementation with >= 0.30% DHA, seems to have a beneficial effect on neurodevelopmental outcome up to 4 months of age. The studies could not demonstrate a consistent positive effect beyond that age. However, in the majority of studies neurodevelopmental outcome was assessed between 6 to 24 months, i.e. at an age where there is a 'latency' in the expression of minor neurological dysfunction. Thus it is possible that LCPUFA might have a long lasting beneficial effect on neurodevelopmental outcome at school-age and beyond. This hypothesis urgently needs testing.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEARLY NUTRITION AND ITS LATER CONSEQUENCES: NEW OPPORTUNITIES
EditorsB Koletzko, P Dodds, H Akerblom, M Ashwell
Place of PublicationBERLIN
PublisherSpringer
Pages80-94
Number of pages15
ISBN (Print)*************
Publication statusPublished - 2005
EventConference on Early Nutrition and Its Later Consequences - , France
Duration: 2-Jul-20043-Jul-2004

Publication series

NameADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
PublisherSPRINGER-VERLAG BERLIN
Volume569
ISSN (Print)0065-2598

Other

OtherConference on Early Nutrition and Its Later Consequences
Country/TerritoryFrance
Period02/07/200403/07/2004

Keywords

  • LCPUFA
  • DHA
  • AA
  • growth
  • neurodevelopmental outcome
  • visual development
  • general movements
  • HEALTHY TERM INFANTS
  • GENERAL MOVEMENTS
  • CONTROLLED-TRIAL
  • VISUAL-ACUITY
  • SUPPLEMENTATION
  • QUOTIENT
  • FORMULA
  • MILK
  • ESSENTIALITY
  • QUALITY

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