The Essentiality of Arachidonic Acid in Infant Development

Abstract

Arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4n-6) is an n-6 polyunsaturated 20-carbon fatty acid formed by the biosynthesis from linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6). This review considers the essential role that ARA plays in infant development. ARA is always present in human milk at a relatively fixed level and is accumulated in tissues throughout the body where it serves several important functions. Without the provision of preformed ARA in human milk or infant formula the growing infant cannot maintain ARA levels from synthetic pathways alone that are sufficient to meet metabolic demand. During late infancy and early childhood the amount of dietary ARA provided by solid foods is low. ARA serves as a precursor to leukotrienes, prostaglandins, and thromboxanes, collectively known as eicosanoids which are important for immunity and immune response. There is strong evidence based on animal and human studies that ARA is critical for infant growth, brain development, and health. These studies also demonstrate the importance of balancing the amounts of ARA and DHA as too much DHA may suppress the benefits provided by ARA. Both ARA and DHA have been added to infant formulas and follow-on formulas for more than two decades. The amounts and ratios of ARA and DHA needed in infant formula are discussed based on an in depth review of the available scientific evidence.

Dietary Intakes of Arachidonic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid in Early Life - With a Special Focus on Complementary Feeding in Developing Countries

“…During the last 3 decades, there has been considerable interest in the roles of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) in infant growth and development [1][2][3][4][5][6] . The seminal work of Manuel Martinez [7] showing the rapid accretion of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) by the infant brain during the first 1,000 days of life underlined the potential importance of these fatty acids during this critical period of growth and development.…”

“…There is now a wealth of information on the roles of ARA and DHA from cellular, animal and human studies and it is evident that in early life, adequate supplies of both ARA and DHA are critical for normal growth and development [4,5] . However, much of the available research data has been generated in high-income countries and there is currently limited information on dietary intakes of ARA and DHA by infants and young children living in medium-to low-income countries.…”

Phospholipase A2-activating protein is associated with a novel form of leukoencephalopathy

“…However, the neurons appeared less matured and differentiated in the Plaa À/À embryos ( Figs 6B and 7C). The role of PGE 2 in bradykinininduced neuroprotection has been reported in microglial and neuronal cells (Hadley et al, 2016). The reduced production of PGE 2 in the Plaa À/À embryos brain (Fig.…”

Both maternal and offspring Elovl2 genotypes determine systemic DHA levels in perinatal mice

“…In contrast to this, we observed that Elovl2 / mothers fed a DHA-enriched diet had a lower level of successful pregnancies (Table 3). Regarding the Elovl2 / genotype, which is a model system reflecting insufficient conversion of EPA into DHA, we observed relatively high maternal levels of EPA under standard conditions, which upon dietary supplementation, became even higher (supplemental Tables S16-S19) and may have a negative effect on pregnancy outcome (49,50). Nevertheless, this hypothesis needs to be supported by further and more detailed studies.…”