Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids improve cognitive development.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, an Omega-3 fatty acid) and arachindonic acid (AA, an Omega-6 fatty acid) are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPs) that are important for cognitive development. Research has shown that LCPs are associated with improved visual and cognitive development: breast-fed children had higher IQ scores compared with children who received an infant formula that did not contain LCPs. Because breast milk contains LCPs and the formulae in these studies did not, it is possible that LCPs may contribute to improved cognitive development.