The role of essential fatty acids in neural development: implications for perinatal nutrition

Crawford, MA

doi:10.1093/ajcn/57.5.703s

Cited by 195 publications

(38 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…17 The human brain is 60% lipid, and the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids docosahexanoic acid and arachidonic acid are major constituents. 18 Preterm infants are deprived of the third trimester transplacental supply and are particularly vulnerable to a deficit of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. 19 Although breast milk is advocated for all newborns, a number of factors contribute to very variable and often low rates of breast milk use for preterm infants.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Accelerated postnatal head growth follows preterm birth

Cockerill

2005

Archives of Disease in Childhood - Fetal and Neonatal Edition

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Accelerated postnatal head growth suggests catch up after antenatal restraint. This raises the possibility that poor neurocognitive outcomes after extremely preterm birth may in part be consequent on poor intrauterine brain growth. As postnatal head growth may be facilitated by breast milk, there is an urgent need to evaluate the optimal use of breast milk in preterm neonates. Illness severity is a significant determinant of poor postnatal weight gain.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Accelerated postnatal head growth follows preterm birth

Cockerill

2005

Archives of Disease in Childhood - Fetal and Neonatal Edition

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“…The evidence is strong for a causal relationship between cerebral DHA phospholipids and visual and neurodevelopment [89,90]. Dietary induced changes in retinal DHA phospholipids have also been associated with changes in retinal function.…”

Section: Neurodevelopmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): An Ancient Nutrient for the Modern Human Brain

2011

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Modern humans have evolved with a staple source of preformed docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the diet. An important turning point in human evolution was the discovery of high-quality, easily digested nutrients from coastal seafood and inland freshwater sources. Multi-generational exploitation of seafood by shore-based dwellers coincided with the rapid expansion of grey matter in the cerebral cortex, which characterizes the modern human brain. The DHA molecule has unique structural properties that appear to provide optimal conditions for a wide range of cell membrane functions. This has particular implications for grey matter, which is membrane-rich tissue. An important metabolic role for DHA has recently been identified as the precursor for resolvins and protectins. The rudimentary source of DHA is marine algae; therefore it is found concentrated in fish and marine oils. Unlike the photosynthetic cells in algae and higher plants, mammalian cells lack the specific enzymes required for the de novo synthesis of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the precursor for all omega-3 fatty acid syntheses. Endogenous synthesis of DHA from ALA in humans is much lower and more limited than previously assumed. The excessive consumption of omega-6 fatty acids in the modern Western diet further displaces DHA from membrane phospholipids. An emerging body of research is exploring a unique role for DHA in neurodevelopment and the prevention of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. DHA is increasingly being added back into the food supply as fish oil or algal oil supplementation.

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“…There is evidence that long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are important in brain development,5 but the precise mechanisms by which this is achieved have not been elucidated.…”

Section: Lcpufa In the Brainmentioning

confidence: 99%