Dietary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids for Optimal Neurodevelopment: Recommendations for Perinatal Nutrition

Abstract

● The supply of dietary n-3 and n-6 fatty polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) affects the composition of plasma and red blood cell membrane lipids of term and preterm infants. ● Human infants require docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in their diet because they are unable to form this in sufficient quantity from the linoleic acid provided from vegetable oils. ● Dietary n-3 fatty acid deficiency affects eye and brain function of preterm and term infants as measured by electrorelinogram, cortical visual-evoked potentials, and behavioral testing of visual acuity. ● Technological procedures based on chemical and physical separation of the unsaturated fatty acids have permitted the elaboration of nearly pure eicosapentaenoic acid, DHA, and arachidonic acid (AA) for clinical use. ● The development of single-cell oil sources and, more recently, genetically modified plants and animals provides novel forms of long-chain PUFA (LCPUFA) delivery. ● Human milk is the best and only time proven source of fat and essential fatty acids and LCPUFAs in the infant diet. ● Supplementation of formula with both DHA and AA has been demonstrated to support growth and development closer to that of human milk-fed infants without evidence of adverse effects. ● The public health implications of these changes need to be fully evaluated to support this practice on a global scale.