Supplementation of formula with LCPUFAs ups infant visual acuity

December 17, 2012 in Pediatrics

Supplementation of formula with LCPUFAs ups infant visual acuity

For infants, supplementation of formula with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids correlates with improved visual acuity in the first year of life, according to research published online Dec. 17 in Pediatrics.

(HealthDay)—For infants, supplementation of formula with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) correlates with improved visual acuity in the first year of life, according to research published online Dec. 17 in Pediatrics.

Ahmad Qawasmi, M.D., from Yale University in New Haven, Conn., and colleagues reviewed the literature and conducted a meta-analysis of 19 studies involving 1,949 infants to examine whether LCPUFA supplementation of infant formula improves visual acuity.

The researchers found that, when visual acuity was assessed using visual evoked potential methods, LCPUFA supplementation demonstrated a significant benefit at 2, 4, and 12 months of age. Using behavioral methods, benefit was demonstrated at 2 months of age. Significant heterogeneity was observed between the trials but there was no indication of a . No moderating effects were observed on the association between LCPUFA supplementation and visual acuity.

"Overall, our meta-analysis demonstrates a significant benefit of LCPUFA supplementation to infant formula on infant visual acuity during the first year of life," the authors write. "Further trials are required to assess the efficacy of LCPUFA supplementation on infant's for children older than 1 year of age."

One author received research funding that included partial support from .

More information: Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Journal reference: Pediatrics search and more info website

Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

not rated yet  

Rank not rated yet
Relevant PhysicsForums posts

More news stories

Rate of bicycle-related fatalities significantly lower in states with helmet laws

Existing research shows that bicyclists who wear helmets have an 88 percent lower risk of brain injury, but researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found that simply having bicycle helmet laws in place showed a 20 percent ...

Pediatrics created May 23, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

More kids getting donor organs, but gaps persist, study finds

(HealthDay)—Over the last decade, the number of American children who die each year awaiting an organ donation dropped by more than half, new research reveals. And increasing numbers of children are receiving ...

Pediatrics created May 22, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Phthalates: Study links chemicals widely found in plastics, processed food to elevated blood pressure in children, teens

Plastic additives known as phthalates (pronounced THAL-ates) are odorless, colorless and just about everywhere: They turn up in flooring, plastic cups, beach balls, plastic wrap, intravenous tubing and—according to the ...

Pediatrics created May 22, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 1 | with audio podcast

Less sleep associated with increased risk of crashes for young drivers

A study by Alexandra L. C. Martiniuk, M.Sc, Ph.D., of The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia, and colleagues suggests less sleep per night is associated with a significant increase in the risk for motor ...

Pediatrics created May 20, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Whole-cell vaccine was more effective than acellular vaccine during CA pertussis outbreak

Whole-cell pertussis vaccines were more effective at protecting against pertussis than acellular pertussis vaccines during a large recent outbreak, according to a new Kaiser Permanente study published in Pediatrics.

Pediatrics created May 20, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast


First drug to improve heart failure mortality in over a decade

Coenzyme Q10 decreases all cause mortality by half, according to the results of a multicentre randomised double blind trial presented today at Heart Failure 2013 congress. It is the first drug to improve heart failure mortality ...

Seniors more likely to crash when driving with pet, study finds

(HealthDay)—Animals make great companions for senior citizens, but elderly people who always drive with a pet in the car are far more likely to crash than those who never drive with a pet, researchers have ...

Heart failure accelerates male 'menopause'

Heart failure accelerates the aging process and brings on early andropausal syndrome (AS), according to research presented today at the Heart Failure Congress 2013. AS, also referred to as male 'menopause', was four times ...

Death highest in heart failure patients admitted in January, on Friday, and overnight

Mortality and length of stay are highest in heart failure patients admitted in January, on Friday, and overnight, according to research presented today at the Heart Failure Congress 2013. The analysis of nearly 1 million ...

Feds fight morning-after pill age ruling in NY

(AP)—Department of Justice lawyers have again asked a federal appeals court in New York to delay lifting age restrictions and prescription requirements on an emergency contraceptive popularly known as the morning-after ...

New immune system discovered

(Medical Xpress)—A research team, led by Jeremy Barr, a biology post-doctoral fellow, unveils a new immune system that protects humans and animals from infection.