A new study shows that premature infants who received supplemental DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid, at birth performed better on intelligence tests later in childhood than those who did not receive DHA. This was true regardless of whether the infants were fed breast milk, formula, or both.

Researchers monitored the cognitive performance of more than 650 children born before 29 weeks' gestation. From birth until roughly the age of 36 weeks' gestation, about half of the children received DHA (60 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day) via tube feeding, while the other half did not. When the children were five years old, they took a standardized intelligence test.

The researchers found that children who had received DHA as infants performed better on the intelligence tests – about 3.5 points higher – than the children who did not receive DHA.

DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is found in fatty fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, and tuna. It plays important roles in neurological development. The bulk of DHA accumulation in the brain occurs during the final trimester of pregnancy.

This study demonstrates that DHA may benefit cognitive performance in children born prematurely. Interestingly, evidence suggests that DHA can reduce the risk of premature birth. Learn more in this clip featuring Dr. Bill Harris.

• Read study abstract.

• Learn more about DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids in our overview article.