Omega-3-supplemented formula promotes growth (but not overweight or obesity) in children: Study

24 April 2015 - Nutraingredients

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While long-chain omega-3s are already used in many infant formula, there is limited data on how this affects the long-term growth of the child, according to scientists from the University of Kansas Medical Center and the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center.

New data of children raised on formula at birth and then followed up to the age of six indicated that there are no adverse effects on child growth. The findings are published in the journal Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids .

“If anything, they suggest that [Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids] LCPUFA could have positive effects on stature without negative effects on weight status; and that LCPUFA could mitigate lower stature and higher BMI associated with maternal smoking, particularly in boys,”wrote the researchers, led by Susan Carlson, PhD, AJ Rice Professor of Nutrition at KU Medical Center