Executive functions and the ω-6-to-ω-3 fatty acid ratio: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: The v-6 (n-6) to v-3 (n-3) fatty acid (FA) ratio (n-6:n-3 ratio) was previously shown to be a predictor of executive function performance in children aged 7-9 y. Objective: We aimed to replicate and extend previous findings by exploring the role of the n-6:n-3 ratio in executive function performance. We hypothesized that there would be an interaction between n-3 and the n-6:n-3 ratio, with children with low n-3 performing best with a low ratio, and those with high n-3 performing best with a high ratio. Design: Children were recruited on the basis of their consumption of n-6 and n-3 FAs. The executive function performance of 78 children aged 7-12 y was tested with the use of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery and a planning task. Participants provided blood for plasma FA quantification, and the caregiver completed demographic and activity questionnaires. We investigated the role of the n-6:n-3 ratio in the entire sample and separately in children aged 7-9 y (n = 41) and 10-12 y (n = 37).

Nutritional Factors in Fetal and Infant Brain Development

“…In a related issue, the balance between the n-6 and n-3 pathways determines the metabolic progression as the pathways compete for enzymes. We have shown that cognitive abilities are compromised in the individual when the n-6:n-3 balance is off [55,56]. Importantly, placental metabolism of fatty acids is differentially affected by imbalances between the n-6 and n-3 pathways [57,58].…”

Association of dietary ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids intake with cognitive performance in older adults: National Health and nutrition examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014

“…But some studies have pointed out that ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids intake may play a role in the pathogenesis of cognitive decline due to the prevailing mechanisms such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular risk factors [21,22]. However, several studies have suggested that ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids and their ratio could be associated with cognitive performance among elderly people [23][24][25]. Specifically, a low ratio of ω-6 to ω-3 fatty acids in the diet might reduce the risk of cognitive decline [26,27].…”

Omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid intake of children and older adults in the U.S.: dietary intake in comparison to current dietary recommendations and the Healthy Eating Index

“…It is important to understand fatty acid consumption as part of the overall diet to align recommendations and scientific research with actual practice. Much has been made of the imbalanced consumption of fatty acids over recent decades [ 1 – 4 ] due to the demonstrated importance of fatty acids to the brain [ 5 – 8 ] and cognitive function [ 9 – 12 ]. Data from food commodities have indicated increasing imbalance in the n-6/n-3 ratio in the food supply over time [ 2 , 13 ], with some reviews indicating ratios above 20:1 [ 1 , 14 , 15 ].…”

“…Additionally, there isn’t any evidence that there should be such a large difference in the balance consumed by males and females 9 to 13 years old. If anything, recent evidence points to lower ratios during puberty (for both sexes) to support brain changes occurring during that time [ 9 ].…”

“…Data were merged from two cross-sectional studies that included children 7 to 12 years old [ 9 , 29 ] and one longitudinal study of adults 65 to 79 years old (unpublished data). Analyses were conducted to characterize typical dietary intake of fatty acids and the ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids.…”