In a latest study, the researchers have found that omega -3 fatty acids in either formula or breast milk could boost the brain functions of preterm female babies. 657 infants in the study group were randomly given a standard dose of DHA or a high dose. Omega -3 capsules were given to mothers who were breast feeding their babies. In other cases fortified formula was given to the babies. The Omega-3 acid was given till the expected date of delivery of the baby.

DHA is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid, one of the essential nutrients required for brain development. Premature infants are born before their brains have fully developed and they may lack adequate DHA. Breast milk and infant fortified formula could substantiate the deficiency.

"We hypothesized that if the diets of preterm infants contained a concentration of DHA that was at a level the baby would have received if still in the womb, then we would improve the mental development of these preterm children," said the study's lead author, Maria Makrides, deputy director of the Women's and Children's Health Research Institute and professor of human nutrition at the University of Adelaide, Australia.

The researchers used Bayley Mental Development Index to assess memory, problem solving, early number concepts and language. When the data was split according to the gender difference, it was found that the DHA treatment worked in preterm female babies. The researchers feel that the metabolic differences between boys and girls might be responsible for the test being ineffective on boys.