Docosahexaenoic and arachidonic acid supplementation at 1 year has mixed effects on development and behavior at age 2 for preterm children.

Toddlers' diets include little docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA-supplemented foods are marketed for infants and toddlers, despite uncertain long-term developmental effects. The Omega Tots trial (NCT01576783) supplemented the diets of children born preterm (<35 completed weeks' gestation) at age 1 year with DHA (200mg) and arachidonic acid (AA, 200mg) or corn oil placebo (400mg) for 180 days. Results showed no improvement in cognitive development or early measures of executive function in the full sample (n=377). Pre-specified subgroup analyses suggested negative effects on effortful control among children from higher income households and on language among those of lower birthweight (1). This follow-up study assessed longer-term treatment effects.