Relationship between docohexaenoid acid in breastmilk and development scores at infant 18–23 months of age

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between DHA and development of motoric, cognitive, and socioemotional (DMCS) at infant 18-23 months of age. This was a cohort study following a supplementation to pregnant and lactating mothers with Moringa oleifera leaf (MOL) or iron folic acid (IFA). DHA in breastmilk was measured at 6 months of age (n=64). DMCS was measured at their age 18-23 months using CREDI (Caregiver Reported Early Childhood Development Index). All measurements were assessed by trained field workers using a standard questionnaire and data was analyzed using Spearman Correlation. Majority of mothers were between 20 and 35yr old (71.9%), less than 12yr of education (71.9%), household wife (84.4%), and from farmers family (40.6%). There were borderline significant relationships between DHA levels and cognitive and motoric score (p=0.096, r=0.210 and p=0.064, r=0.233 respectively for cognitive and motoric). However, there was a significant relationship between DHA and socioemotional score (p=0.049, r=0.247). We conclude that DHA in breastmilk 6 months would predict the development of motoric, cognitive, and socioemotional of infant at the period of 18-23 months of age.