Fetal and Neonatal Levels of Omega-3: Effects on Neurodevelopment, Nutrition, and Growth

Abstract

Nutrition in pregnancy, during lactation, childhood, and later stages has a fundamental influence on overall development. There is a growing research interest on the role of key dietary nutrients in fetal health. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFAs) play an important role in brain development and function. Evidence from animal models of dietary n-3 LCPUFAs deficiency suggests that these fatty acids promote early brain development and regulate behavioral and neurochemical aspects related to mood disorders (stress responses, depression, and aggression and growth, memory, and cognitive functions). Preclinical and clinical studies suggest the role of n-3 LCPUFAs on neurodevelopment and growth. n-3 LCPUFAs may be an effective adjunctive factor for neural development, growth, and cognitive development, but further large-scale, well-controlled trials and preclinical studies are needed to examine its clinical mechanisms and possible benefits. The present paper discusses the use of n-3 LCPUFAs during different developmental stages and the investigation of different sources of consumption. The paper summarizes the role of n-3 LCPUFAs levels during critical periods and their effects on the children's neurodevelopment, nutrition, and growth.

Enhancing LC-PUFA production in Thalassiosira pseudonana by overexpressing the endogenous fatty acid elongase genes

“…Among their various roles, n-3 LC-PUFAs are essential to neurodevelopment in infants and children and affect brain development and function (Rombaldi Bernardi et al 2012) and visual and cognitive development during the first year of life (Molloy et al 2012) and have beneficial effects in treating depression, ADHD, and Alzheimer's disease and reducing violence (Sinn et al 2010), as well as in prevention and treatment of chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, elevated triglyceride levels, cancer, and asthma (Simopoulos 2008). DHA in particular is found abundantly in the brain tissue (Soederberg et al 1991), and application of DHA improves brain function in healthy and diseased mammals (Gamoh et al 1999;Hashimoto et al 2008).…”

Seafood Intake and Neurodevelopment: A Systematic Review

“…For instance, DHA may play an important role through several biological pathways during neuron differentiation and migration, axonal and synaptic growth, and synaptic connections until the early 20s. Deficit of dietary DHA is also known to alter neuronal myelination and cause mental retardation, and improvement is observed when DHA is restored [4,29]. Additionally, animal studies have linked insufficiency of omega-3 fatty acids to alterations in neurotransmitters [30].…”

“…Seafood contains high concentrations of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), which are essential nutrients for cell membrane formation, the development of neurons and their synaptic connexions [4]. Seafood contains other essential nutrients that are also required for normal brain function and development, such as selenium, vitamin D, and iodine [5].…”

Food for thought: Dietary changes in essential fatty acid ratios and the increase in autism spectrum disorders

“…The last trimester of pregnancy is a crucial phase, as large amounts of n-6 AA and n-3 DHA are needed for the synthesis of membrane phospholipids to complete fetal brain development and neurogenesis (Coti Bertrand et al, 2006;Innis and de La Presa Owens, 2001;Kawakita et al, 2006). The transport of n-3 fatty acids to the unborn child in this period is highly dependent on maternal dietary intake (Bernardi et al, 2012;Green et al, 2008;Greenberg et al, 2008;Guesnet and Alessandri, 2011;Luchtman and Song, 2013;Schiefermeier and Yavin, 2002). Furthermore, the passage of n-6 and n-3 PUFAs across the fetal blood brain barrier depends on the relative amounts of fatty acids in the blood of the fetus, further indicating the need of a balanced maternal diet Green et al, 2008).…”