Could a toddler supplement shape brain power years later?

NCT ID NCT05191823

Ongoing Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Sarah Keim Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 11, 2026 · Last updated Aug 12, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study follows up on children born preterm who, as toddlers, took a daily supplement of fatty acids (DHA and AA) or a placebo for six months. Now aged 8 to 10, these children will undergo tests of thinking, language, and attention to see if the early supplement had any lasting effect on brain development. The goal is to understand whether this simple dietary addition during toddlerhood could influence cognitive abilities later in childhood.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) plus arachidonic acid (AA) as a daily supplement
What this could lead to: If the supplement shows lasting benefits, it could point to a simple dietary intervention to support brain development in children born preterm.
What could go wrong: This is a follow-up study, and any benefits seen may be small or not clearly linked to the supplement. The trial is observational in nature, so it cannot prove cause and effect.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Premature Birth

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT PRETERM BIRTH

Contacts and locations

Locations

Nationwide Children's Hospital

Columbus, Ohio, 43205, United States

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