There is a positive correlation between the concentration of docosahexaenoic acid in breast milk and neurobehavioral function in newborns, according to an article in the October issue of the Journal of Pediatric Psychiatry.

The current findings support numerous clinical studies showing that docosahexaenoic acid, a long chain omega-3 fatty acid, plays an important role in infant mental and visual development. The omega fatty acid is now added to over 75 percent of US infant formulas.

The study, conducted at Texas Tech University, analyzed the docosahexaenoic acid content of breast milk collected from 20 breastfeeding mothers at nine days after delivery. At the same time, their infants were tested for neurobehavioral function using the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale, a commonly used behavioral test. Analysis revealed a positive correlation between docosahexaenoic acid levels in the mother's breast milk and their child's assessment scale score.

"This study is significant because it correlates higher docosahexaenoic acid in breast milk to higher cognitive function at a very young age," said study investigator Connye Kuratko, PhD, a registered dietitian formerly with Texas Tech University and now with Martek Biosciences.

"Americans have among the lowest level of breast milk docosahexaenoic acid in the world because of our diets, but pregnant and breastfeeding moms can safely ensure their baby is getting enough docosahexaenoic acid simply by taking a docosahexaenoic acid supplement. This study also underscores the importance of adding high levels of docosahexaenoic acid to infant formula to ensure formulas provide enough of this important brain building nutrient."

Developing infants cannot efficiently make their own supply of the fatty acid and must obtain it through their mother's placenta during pregnancy and from breast milk after birth. The amount of docosahexaenoic acid in a mother's diet determines the amount of the fatty acid in her breast milk.

Studies show that docosahexaenoic acid supplementation while breastfeeding effectively increases docosahexaenoic acid levels in the mother's milk, as well as in the infant's blood. One recent study published in the July issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that infants of mothers who supplemented with the fatty acid during the first four months of breastfeeding had better psychomotor skills at 2.5 years of age.