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Effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids on cognitive‐linguistic development of premature infants
Author(s) -
Toro-Ramos Tatiana,
Meio Maria Dalva Barbosa Baker,
Morsch Denise Streit,
Moreira Maria Elizabeth Lopes,
Carmo Maria Tavares,
Sichieri Rosely,
Hoffman Daniel J.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.807.4
Subject(s) - polyunsaturated fatty acid , breast milk , arachidonic acid , cognition , gestation , breastfeeding , language development , medicine , lactation , psychology , fatty acid , developmental psychology , pregnancy , pediatrics , biology , biochemistry , genetics , psychiatry , enzyme
Premature infants skip a period of increased long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) during the last trimester of gestation, posing them at risk for developmental disabilities. This study evaluated the relationship between maternal breast milk FA composition and the cognitive, linguistic, and motor development (Bayley‐III scores) of premature infants between 9–12 months corrected age using multiple linear regression analysis. Breast milk samples from 25 low‐income mothers with premature infants were obtained the first week postpartum and analyzed for FA composition. Arachidonic acid (AA) had a significant positive relationship (β, 14.57, p = 0.05) with cognition and DHA had a positive relationship with expressive language (β, 0.62, p = 0.02) while LA had a negative relationship (β, −0.44, P = 0.005) with expressive language. The ratios LA: AA and ALA: DHA had a significant negative relationship (β, −6.54, p < 0.03 and β, −10.16, p < 0.02, respectively) with cognition, while the relationship of AA: ALA with cognition was positive (β, 6.95, p < 0.03). In conclusion, women with premature babies can provide AA and DHA breast milk levels during the first week postpartum associated to higher cognition and expressive language scores. Funding for this study was provided by The American Egg Board.