Breast-fed children are significantly more likely to do well in measures of stereoscopic vision than are those who received formula during infancy, according to UK researchers.

"Our study," Dr. Atul Singhal of the Institute of Child Health, London stated, "adds to the growing evidence that breast-feeding has long-term benefits for visual development."

A higher concentration of the fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in breast milk than in formula has been proposed as one explanation for this effect, Singhal and colleagues note in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, and this has been a rationale for adding DHA to infant formula.

To further investigate, the team studied 78 previously breast-fed and 184 previously formula-fed children ages 4 to 6 years who were followed prospectively from birth. In the first 6 months of life, the formula-fed group was randomly assigned to formula with or without supplementation with DHA or arachidonic acid.

When they were tested, breast-fed children were significantly more likely to have greater stereo-acuity than did children in either formula-fed group. There were no significant differences between children who did or did not receive formula containing DHA.

The researchers conclude that "these findings support the hypothesis that breast-feeding benefits long-term stereoscopic development."

Singhal added, "We don't know the mechanisms involved, but this benefit does not seem to be explained by the presence of certain omega 3 fatty acids -- DHA -- in human milk."

SOURCE: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, January 2007.