Supplementation with long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) to breastfeeding mothers for improving child growth and development.

Study answer

What this study found

Overall, LCPUFA supplementation to breastfeeding mothers did not improve children's neurodevelopment, visual acuity, or growth, and the evidence is inconclusive for routine use. Pooled language outcomes were null or borderline, including beyond 24 months (SMD -0.27, 95% CI -0.56 to 0.02), and intelligence or problem-solving beyond 24 months was also null (SMD 0.00, 95% CI -0.36 to 0.36). One study found better child attention at more than 24 months (MD 4.70, 95% CI 1.30 to 8.10; n=110), but this was weak evidence and did not alter the overall conclusion. Growth findings were inconsistent and…

Study & population

Systematic review and meta-analysis of eight randomized trials including 1567 participants from high-income countries.

Intervention

Breastfeeding or pregnant-and-lactating mothers received oral long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements, mainly DHA-rich fish oil, algal oil, cod liver oil, or DHA capsules, during pregnancy and/or lactation.

Key limitation

The evidence base was small and heterogeneous, with varying supplement types, doses, timing, and outcome measures across trials.

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Original abstract