Written by Lauren Novak
SA researchers have made a breakthrough in improving the treatment of premature babies, discovering omega-3 fatty acids in tuna oil can improve mental development.
A six-year study by researchers at the Women's and Children's Health Research Institute and the University of Adelaide has found high doses of fatty acids fed to pre-term infants through breast milk or formula can aid mental development.
The study was conducted by feeding tuna oil capsules to lactating mothers.
Of the 657 premature babies tested at five Australian hospitals about 50 per cent fewer infants on the omega-3 enhanced diet had significantly delayed mental development compared with the number who developed slower on low omega-3 diets.