Research published in the European Journal of Nutrition (online ahead of print, December 19, 2007) found that higher levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in umbilical cord blood are associated with improved motor function later in childhood. DHA levels were also associated with a lower risk of postpartum depression in mothers.
The study followed more than 300 children for seven years after birth. Motor development was assessed using the Maastricht Motor Test. Children with higher DHA levels in umbilical cord blood consistently scored higher on measures of motor performance.
These findings support earlier research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood: Fetal and Neonatal Edition (online December 21, 2006). That study examined the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation during pregnancy. Pregnant women received fish oil (a source of DHA), and their children were evaluated at 2½ years of age.
Seventy-two children participated in the study: 33 in the fish-oil group and 39 in the control group. Children whose mothers received omega-3 supplementation demonstrated better hand-eye coordination, improved language comprehension, a tendency to use longer sentences, and a larger vocabulary. Development was assessed using the Griffiths Mental Development Scales, the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, and the Child Behaviour Checklist.
