Effect of arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acid supplementation on quality of growth in preterm infants: A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS
A balanced supply of arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may be crucial for quality of growth in preterm infants. This secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial aimed to determine the effect of enhanced ARA and DHA supplementation on growth and body composition in infants born before 29 weeks of gestation. Furthermore, we aimed to study associations between human milk feeding, growth patterns and body composition.
METHODS
The ImNuT-trial randomized 121 infants to receive a daily supplement with medium chain triglycerides (control) or 100 mg/kg ARA and 50 mg/kg DHA (ARA:DHA group) from the second day of life until 36 weeks postmenstrual age. Growth and body composition were evaluated up to 3 months corrected age.
RESULTS
The ARA:DHA group showed better linear growth from birth to term equivalent age compared to the control group; mean difference in z score change from birth for length was 0.74 ([95% CI, 0.17-1.3]; p = 0.010). There were no differences in growth and body composition outcomes at 3 months corrected age between the groups. An increase in z score for weight after 36 weeks postmenstrual age and breastfeeding at 3 months corrected age were the strongest positive predictors of fat mass% at 3 months corrected age (both, p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Early enhanced supplementation of ARA and DHA may be beneficial with respect to somatic growth in very preterm infants.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
The trial has been registered on…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a secondary / pooled analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 121 participants or records.
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