Beneficial effects of omega‐3 fatty acids and vitamin B₁₂ supplementation on brain docosahexaenoic acid, brain derived neurotrophic factor, and cognitive performance in the second‐generation Wistar rats

Abstract

In vegetarian population, vitamin B12 deficiency coexists with suboptimal levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Studies indicate a need for supplementation/fortification of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids to reduce the risk of brain disorders. We have described the effects of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on brain development in F1 generation animals. The current study investigates the effects of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on brain function and cognition. Pregnant Wistar rats were assigned the following groups: control, vitamin B12 deficient (BD), vitamin B12 deficient + omega-3 fatty acid (BDO), vitamin B12 supplemented (BS), vitamin B12 supplemented + omega-3 fatty acid (BSO). The same diets were continued for two generations. BDO group showed higher (P < 0.05) levels of BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in the cortex and hippocampus as compared with the BD group. The cognitive performance was also normalized in this group. BS showed comparable levels of DHA, BDNF (protein and mRNA), and CREB mRNA (cAMP response element-binding protein) to that of control group while Tropomyosin receptor kinase mRNA levels were higher. The combined vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation further enhanced the levels of DHA (P < 0.05) and BDNF (P < 0.05) in the hippocampus and CREB mRNA (P < 0.01) in the cortex as compared with BS group. The cognitive performance of these animals was higher (P < 0.05) as compared with BS group. Our data indicates the beneficial effects of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation across two generations on brain development and function.

Comparative study on the independent and combined effects of omega-3 and vitamin B12 on phospholipids and phospholipase A2 as phospholipid hydrolyzing enzymes in PPA-treated rats as a model for autistic traits

“…However, many studies do not exclude the possibility that a subgroup of autistic patients may respond to ω-3 treatment [ 40 ]. The remarkable improvement in cPLA2 and phospholipid levels in groups treated with ω-3, vitamin B12, and ω-3 + vitamin B12 is consistent with a recent study by Rathod et al [ 41 ] in which the combined supplementation of vitamin B12 and ω-3 fatty acids led to higher ω-3 and nerve growth factor (NGF) levels in the hippocampus, higher brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the cortex and hippocampus, together with improvement of cognitive performance. Omega-3 as a precursor for active mediators can regulate various brain functions such as neurotransmission, inflammation, immune reaction and neuronal survival [ 42 – 46 ].…”

Suboptimal Nutrition and Low Physical Activity Are Observed Together with Reduced Plasma Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Concentration in Children with Severe Cerebral Palsy (CP)

“…This may facilitate synaptic plasticity through mechanisms such as increased integration and the movement of receptors and other membrane proteins that are essential for establishing new synapses [17,57]. DHA has also been shown to increase the production of BDNF, which is one of the neurotrophic factors involved in synaptic plasticity [19,38,58]. It is probably these mechanisms which are responsible for the positive effect of DHA supplementation on learning and memory, which has been documented in rodents [38,59,60].…”

Análise do desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor de crianças participantes de um programa mãe-bebê

“…Para o desenvolvimento do sistema nervoso, o ácido docosahexaenóico (DHA), contido no leite humano, exerce papel fundamental para a maturação neuronal e, consequentemente, para o desenvolvimento de habilidades cognitivas e de linguagem. Em ratos, a deficiência de DHA durante a lactação resultou em pobre retenção da memória durante tarefas de aprendizado (26) . Além do aporte nutricional, o aleitamento materno exclusivo também possibilita a construção de um vínculo saudável entre a mãe e o bebê, favorecendo o desenvolvimento emocional, social e psíquico da criança e prevenindo o surgimento de problemas comportamentais em longo prazo (25) .…”