Determining the Effect of Maternal Omega-3 Supplementation during Lactation on Growth and Development of Infants

Development during childhood is vital for learning skills. Maternal omega-3fatty acids during pregnancy and
lactation play important role in childhood development. The aim of this study is to determine omega-3 supplementation during
lactation on the growth and development of infants.
Materials & Methods: This is a double-blind randomized trial. A total of 70 lactating women and their infants 15 days after delivery
were selected. They were randomly divided into intervention and placebo groups. The intervention group received 1 gram omega-3
capsules daily and placebo group paraffin capsules for 3 months. Development of infants was assessed by using ASQ and growth by
measuring weight, length and head circumference.
Results: The main score of communication, fine motor and problem solving in the intervention group after 3 months supplementation
of omega-3 fatty acids were higher in the intervention group than placebo. There were no differences in gross motor and social
development between two groups.
Conclusion: In this study positive effect of omega-3 e on problem solving and social development were found. There were no
differences in growth between two groups except head circumference