Supplementation with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) in children with deficient fatty acid nutritional status may improve their DHA status and improve visual function, new research suggests.

Italian researchers a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in children with a disorder known as non-PKU hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA). Because of the restrictive lifelong diet required with people with HPA, they often have poor fatty acid status.

• 20 children (average age about 10.5 years) with the disorder were given a 12-month supplementation with LCPUFA

• The fat supplement consisted of 26% as fatty acids (13% omega three and 13% omega six) including DHA (8%). See table below for more detailed breakdown.

• Researchers measured the fatty acid composition of red blood cells and performed some visual tests before and after the 12 month period.

• These results were compared to data obtained from healthy children of comparable age

The visual test performed is known as the Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP) and essentially measures the eyes' response to light.

Prior to supplementation, the children with HPA had a poorer DHA status and worse outcomes on the VEP testing than the healthy reference children

By the end of the 12-month trial, the LCPUFA supplemented group showed a significant increase in red blood cell DHA levels and improved performance on the VEP tests.

The authors conclude "A balanced dietary supplementation with LCPUFA in children with HPA is associated with an increase of the DHA pool and improved visual function.

Composition of the Supplements

According to lead author Carlo Agostoni, of the Department of Pediatrics, San Paolo Hospital, Milan, Italy, the composition of the LCPUFA supplement "was specifically developed to raise DHA in circulating lipids to a physiological range without affecting AA (arachadonic acid) levels to prevent possible untoward effects on growth and eicosanoid metabolism."

The following Table gives a more detailed breakdown of the fatty acids supplement:

Note: The fat composition of the supplement was calculated on the dietary needs of older children, NOT those of infants nor were they based on human milk fatty acid composition.

Journal of Pediatrics 2000;137:504-9

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Visual improvement is only one aspect of a balanced and high quality fat intake. The other huge issue is optimized brain function as the brain is composed largely of these fats. Essential fats are an important part of a balanced diet. I am particularly fond of using freshly ground whole seeds, such as pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds, rather than using even cold pressed oils, as the freshly ground are far healthier. One can also use a balance of evening primrose oil (omega six) and a good source of EPA/DHA fish oil (omega three) that is not contaminated with heavy metals and other toxic substances. I currently use the Nordic Naturals brand. Related Articles: Many Children Eating Dangerous Low-Fat Diets DHA Improves Vision in Preterm Infants Fish or EPA/DHA Supplements May Help Protect Vision Are Low-Fat Diets Safe or Beneficial For Kids? Is DHA The Secret Of Breast Milk's Success?