44) Docosahexaenoic acid supplementation in pregnancy and lactation

Carlson SE et al; Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Feb; 89(2):678S-84S

Evidence continues to increase that there are critical windows for development of these neurotransmitter systems, because even modest decreases in brain DHA cause effects on dopaminergic and serotonergic systems that are not reversible after weaning.

Infants born significantly before term and provided a formula with DHA were shown to have greater  visual acuity.
DHA supplementation can influence specific measures of early cognitive function.

Results of several observational reports associate accelerated or more mature attentional functions in the first year of life with higher maternal DHA status during pregnancy.