Early nutrition, essential fatty acid status and visual acuity of term infants at 7 months of age

Objective: In term infants the relationship between visual acuity and dieta ry fatty acid composition is not consistent, possibly due to confounders, w hich were mostly neglected in the studies concerned. In the current study, therefore, the influence of the essential fatty acid status and potential c onfounders on the visual acuity was investigated. Design: The essential fatty acid status was determined at 7 months of age i n red blood cell and plasma phospholipids of breastfed and formula-fed infa nts, born at term. Visual acuity was measured with Teller Acuity Cards. Inf ormation about potential confounding factors was obtained during an intervi ew and with a retrospective questionnaire. Results: This study, like others, showed that the concentrations of docosah exaenoic acid (DHA, 22 : 6n-3) are Ion er in plasma and red blood cell phos polipids of formula-fed infants compared to that of breastfed infants. Howe ver, no differences in visual acuity could be found between the two groups. Moreover, no significant relationship was found between the amounts of doc osahexaenoic acid in plasma and red blood cell phospholipids and the visual acuity. Although dummy (pacifier) use showed a significant positive correl ation with visual acuity, it did not influence the relationship between the essential fatty acids in the infant diet and visual acuity. There was also no confounding influence of smoking habits and alcohol use during pregnanc y, socioeconomic background and other potential confounders. Conclusions: At 7 months of age no influence of fatty acid status, infant d iet or potential confounders on visual acuity was found. Descriptors: essential fatty acids; docosahexaenoic acid; visual acuity; bl ood plasma; red blood cells; Teller Acuity Cards.