3/19/2001

Researchers have found that children with the most developed eye-sight have mothers who either breast-fed them or who had eaten oil-rich fish weekly during pregnancy. The study also found that the level of DHA in the mother's blood was directly related to the amount of oil-rich fish she ate.

For some time now researchers have been debating whether having a good dietary supply of DHA in infancy is beneficial for term babies. The outcome of this debate is critical, since regulatory authorities require proof that the additional cost of adding DHA to baby formulae is associated with some demonstrable and quantifiable benefit.

Until now, that has not been possible, but a recent paper, produced by the University of Bristol, UK, and researchers at the University of Texas, USA, has changed that. The researchers examined the eyesight, at the age of 3,5 years, in a group of 450 toddlers. The children were part of an ongoing study called ALSPAC, which examines childhood health outcomes in relation to maternal diet and environmental factors.

The researchers found that the children with the most developed eyesight had mothers who had either breast-fed them ,or who had eaten oil-rich fish weekly during pregnancy. The study also found that the level of DHA in the mother's blood was directly related to the amount of oil-rich fish she ate. Mothers consuming such fish once a week had a blood DHA level almost 30% higher than those who rarely ate fish. This study showed that having an adequate supply of DHA was important in the development of good infant eyesight.

Williams, C., et al. Stereoacuity at age 3.5 y in children born full-term is associated with prenatal and postnatal dietary factors. Amer.J.Clin.Nutr. 2001, 73:316-22.

back to top

• Omega-3 fatty acids and prevention of age-related eye diseases
  -- read
  
  
• Can omega-3s prevent age related changes in the eye leading to blindness?
  -- read
  
  
• Can Omega-3 fatty acids prevent blindness?
  -- read
  
  
• Eyes Sharper with omega-3
  -- read
  
  
• Vision Research
  -- read