Genetic Variants May Shape How Preterm Infants Respond to Omega-3/Omega-6 Supplements

This small pilot study looked at 33 preterm infants who were given either no supplement or one of two doses of arachidonic acid (ARA) and DHA (a common ratio used in infant nutrition) from birth until they reached 36 weeks of developmental age. Researchers tracked blood levels of these important fatty acids and also checked each infant’s genetic makeup for variations in the FADS gene family, which helps the body process omega-3 and omega-6 fats.

The results showed that certain FADS gene variants (rs174545, rs174546, and rs174602) were linked to how much ARA and DHA infants had in their blood, both before supplementation started and after weeks of receiving it. For example, infants with a specific gene pattern in the higher-dose supplement group showed stronger correlations between their genotype and their ARA and DHA levels at the end of the study.

One particular combination of gene variants was associated with lower baseline levels of both ARA and DHA in infants who didn’t receive supplementation. Overall, the findings suggest that genetics play a role in how efficiently preterm infants make and use these fatty acids on their own, and possibly in how they respond to supplementation.