Breastfeeding and Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Intake in the First 4 Post-Natal Months and Infant Cognitive Development: An Observational Study

Citation

Keim, Sarah A.; Daniels, Julie L.; Siega-Riz, Anna Maria; Herring, Amy H.; Dole, Nancy; & Scheidt, Peter C. (2012). Breastfeeding and Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Intake in the First 4 Post-Natal Months and Infant Cognitive Development: An Observational Study. Maternal & Child Nutrition, 8(4), 471-482. PMCID: PMC3617566

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine infant feeding and the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) concentration of breast milk and formulas in relation to infant development. The prospective Pregnancy, Infection and Nutrition Study (n = 358) collected data on breastfeeding, breast milk samples and the formulas fed through 4 months post-partum. At 12 months of age, infants' development was assessed (Mullen Scales of Early Learning). Linear regression was used to examine development in relation to breastfeeding, breast milk docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) concentration, and DHA and AA concentration from the combination of breast milk and formula. The median breast milk DHA concentration was 0.20% of total fatty acids [interquartile range (IQR) = 0.14, 0.34]; median AA concentration was 0.52% (IQR = 0.44, 0.63). Upon adjustment for preterm birth, sex, smoking, race and ethnicity and education, breastfeeding exclusivity was unrelated to development. Among infants exclusively breastfed, breast milk LCPUFA concentration was not associated with development (Mullen composite, DHA: adjusted

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1740-8709.2011.00326.x

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2012

Journal Title

Maternal & Child Nutrition

Author(s)

Keim, Sarah A.
Daniels, Julie L.
Siega-Riz, Anna Maria
Herring, Amy H.
Dole, Nancy
Scheidt, Peter C.

PMCID

PMC3617566

ORCiD

Siega-Riz - 0000-0002-1303-4248
Dole - 0000-0002-2113-7984