Brain Power

Can formula be the formula for sucessful problem solving?  Maybe so.  A new study funded by the Eunice Kenndy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, found that formulas fortified with DHA  and ARA help a child's cognitive development and visual acuity.  DHA and ARA are in 99 percent of infant formulas on the U.S. market.

The study published in the September/October issue of Child Development, followed 229 infants.  The babies were randomly assigned either formula with DHA or traditional formula.  They received the formulas either shortly after birth, after 6 weeks of breastfeeding, or after 4-6 months of breastfeeding.  At nine months old they were given a problem-solving task.

Researchers found those who started on the DHA-supplemented formula shortly after birth did better on the test.  They had a 51 percent success rate compared to 29 percent for those who got traditional formula.  Babies who got the DHA fortified formula afgter 6 weks of breastfeeding did better than their counterparts with a 46 percent success rate compared to 13 percent).

Food for thought!