Significance of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for the development and behaviour of children

Abstract

omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play a central role in the normal development and functioning of the brain and central nervous system. Long-chain PUFAs (LC-PUFAs) such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5omega-3), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6omega-3) and arachidonic acid (AA, C20:4omega-6), in particular, are involved in numerous neuronal processes, ranging from effects on membrane fluidity to gene expression regulation. Deficiencies and imbalances of these nutrients, not only during the developmental phase but throughout the whole life span, have significant effects on brain function. Numerous observational studies have shown a link between childhood developmental disorders and omega-6:omega-3 fatty acid imbalances. For instance, neurocognitive disorders such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism spectrum disorders are often associated with a relative lack of omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to a high omega-6 fatty acid intake and, in many cases, an insufficient supply of omega-3 fatty acids among the population, evidence is increasing to suggest that PUFA metabolism can be impaired in individuals with ADHD. In this context, PUFA imbalances are being discussed as potential risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders. Another focus is whether the nutritive PUFA requirements-especially long-chain omega-3 fatty acid requirements-are higher among some individuals. Meanwhile, several controlled studies investigated the clinical benefits of LC-PUFA supplementation in affected children and adolescents, with occasionally conflicting results.

The Role of Nutrition in Children's Neurocognitive Development, From Pregnancy Through Childhood

“…These represent the two core fatty acids found in gray matter (Benton, 2010b;De Souza et al, 2011). Furthermore, the supply of LCPUFAs from food, especially the omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), is frequently inadequate for children as well as for adults (Schuchardt et al, 2010).…”

“…They promote neuronal and dendritic spine growth and synaptic membrane synthesis, and hence influence signal processing, and neural transmission. In addition, essential fatty acids regulate gene expression in the brain (McCann and Ames, 2005;Eilander et al, 2007;Innis, 2007;Cetina, 2008;Wurtman, 2008;Ramakrishnan et al, 2009;Ryan et al, 2010;Schuchardt et al, 2010;De Souza et al, 2011). Therefore, the existing literature strongly suggests that essential fatty acids are critical for brain development and function.…”

Brain imaging research on psychopathy: Implications for punishment, prediction, and treatment in youth and adults

“…Omega-3 has been known to be important for healthy brain development in children (Ryan et al, 2010;Schuchardt et al, 2010) and low levels have been implicated in poor cognitive performance and behavior in children (Montgomery et al, 2013). Poor nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood, including lower levels of omega-3, has been thought to negatively affect brain structure, function, and is associated with later antisocial behavior in adolescence and adulthood (Raine, 2008;Liu, 2011).…”

Early behavior and development are influenced by the n-6 and n-3 status in prematures

“…that high linoleic acid is associated with low arachidonic acid (Spector et al, 1981;Liou and Innis, 2009;Friesen and Innis, 2010). The finding, if confirmed, might be of concern in view of the high intake of LA generally in food and the importance of arachidonic acid for the early development (Schuchardt et al, 2010).…”

“…Since the general intake of n-3 fatty acids in the mothers was very low, it cannot be excluded that the negative influence of n-6 fatty acids more reflected the imbalance between the essential fatty acids than a pure negative effect of the n-6 fatty acids. On the other hand the inverse relation between linoleic and arachidonic acids might be of concern since arachidonic acid is important for early brain development (Schuchardt et al, 2010). The expected positive influence of DHA was first seen after 6 months of age.…”