According to a US intervention study, infants were better at problem-solving when their mothers were supplemented during pregnancy with the omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
While omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids are well known for their heart health properties, evidence is accumulating on their role in maintaining brain function and mental health.
Researchers from the University of Connecticut recruited 29 pregnant women at gestation week 24 and randomly assigned them to one of two groups. The first group received cereal bars that contained 300mg DHA per bar. The second group were given similar bars without DHA. Average consumption was five bars a week, giving the supplemented group an average weekly DHA intake of 1.8g DHA per week, equivalent to a portion of oily fish like salmon or trout.
Infants of all of the women were followed-up and tested at 9 months using a series of age-specific intelligence and cognitive function tests. It was found that infants whose mothers had received DHA supplementation scored significantly better on problem-solving compared with infants in the unsupplemented group. There were no differences in overall intelligence. The research supports other studies on DHA and underlines the importance of ensuring that mothers and their infants have access to DHA in their diets.
For more information, see
Judge MP et al (2007). Maternal consumption of a docosahexaenoic acid-containing functional food during pregnancy: benefit for infant performance on problem-solving but not on recognition memory tasks at age 9 months. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 85, pg 1572-157
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