polyunsaturated fatty acids

Background – The process of evidence based practice involves a lengthy cycle of research, systematic review of all relevant data, implementation of the research/systematic review findings, evaluation, and modification of the implementation or more research, which ever is required. However in practice, this cycle is not always apparent. Objective – The aim of this paper is to examine the process of the evidence-based cycle in the research process and the translation of data relating to omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) requirements in the perinatal period. Results from studies involving infants – Initial trials were designed to test the efficacy of supplementing infant formulas for preterm and term infants with omega-3 LCPUFA. These trials were relatively small in size, of variable duration and used doses that ranged from 0.1 to 1 % of total dietary fat. Outcomes have tended to range from simple LCPUFA status to more complex visual and cognitive outcomes. Despite the large number of studies now in the literature it has been difficult to bring all the data together in a satisfactory way in to systematic reviews because of the wide range in methodology, the differing trial protocols and the assessment methods used as outcomes. Nevertheless, the individual studies have been suggestive of a developmental benefit and this has been most consistent in infants born preterm. As a consequence infant formulas for preterm infants and many for term infants are supplemented with omega-3 LCPUFA. However, point of controversy has been the dose and the ratio of omega