Dietary Supplementation Of Docosahexaenoic Acid Research Articles

Dietary Eicosapentaenoic Acid Containing Phosphoethanolamine Plasmalogens Remodels the Lipidome of White Adipose Tissue and Suppresses High-Fat Diet Induced Obesity in Mice.

Dietary supplementation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)/eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) can alter the lipidome profiles of adipocytes, thereby counteract obesity. DHA/EPA in the form of phospholipids demonstrates higher bioavailability than triglyceride or ethyl ester (EE), but their effects on the lipidome and metabolic changes during obesity are still unknown. High-fat diet-induced obese mice are treated with different molecular forms of EPA, and EPA supplemented as phosphoethanolamine plasmalogens (PlsEtn) has a superior effect on reducing fat mass accumulation than phosphatidylcholine (PC) or EE. The lipidomics analysis indicates that EPA in form of PlsEtn but not PC or EE significantly decreases total PC and sphingomyelin content in white adipose tissue (WAT). Some specific polyunsaturated fatty acid -containing PCs and ether phospholipids are increased in EPA-PlsEtn-fed mice, which may attribute to the upregulation of unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis and fatty acid elongation reactions in WAT. In addition, the expression of genes related to fatty acid catabolism is also promoted by EPA-PlsEtn supplementation, which may cause the decreased content of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid-containing PCs. EPA-PlsEtn supplementation is demonstrated to remodel lipidome and regulate the fatty acid metabolic process in WAT, indicating it may serve as a new strategy for obesity treatment in the future.

Inside Front Cover: DHA and EPA Prevent Seizure and Depression‐Like Behavior by Inhibiting Ferroptosis and Neuroinflammation via Different Mode‐of‐Actions in a Pentylenetetrazole‐Induced Kindling Model in Mice

Mol. Nutr. Food Res. 2022, 66, 2200275 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202200275 Dietary supplementation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) suppressed iron dyshomeostasis, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in PTZ-induced kindling model mice. DHA and EPA are demonstrated to regulate the Nrf2 signaling and inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation via different mode-of-actions, implying great and different potential in the prevention and treatment of epilepsy. This is reported by Min Wen and co-workers in article number 2200275.

Encapsulation of Docosahexaenoic Acid Oil Substantially Improves the Oxylipin Profile of Rat Tissues.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a major n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) particularly involved in cognitive and cardiovascular functions. Due to the high unsaturation index, its dietary intake form has been considered to improve oxidation status and to favor bioaccessibility and bioavailability as well. This study aimed at investigating the effect of DHA encapsulated with natural whey protein. DHA was dietary provided as triacylglycerols to achieve 2.3% over total fatty acids. It was daily supplied to weanling rats for four weeks in omelet as food matrix, consecutively to a 6-hour fasting. First, when DHA oil was encapsulated, consumption of chow diet was enhanced leading to promote animal growth. Second, the brain exhibited a high accretion of 22.8% DHA, which was not improved by dietary supplementation of DHA. Encapsulation of DHA oil did not greatly affect the fatty acid proportions in tissues, but remarkably modified the profile of oxidized metabolites of fatty acids in plasma, heart, and even brain. Specific oxylipins derived from DHA were upgraded, such as Protectin Dx in heart and 14-HDoHE in brain, whereas those generated from n-6 PUFAs were mainly mitigated. This effect did not result from oxylipins measured in DHA oil since DHA and EPA derivatives were undetected after food processing. Collectively, these data suggested that dietary encapsulation of DHA oil triggered a more efficient absorption of DHA, the metabolism of which was enhanced more than its own accretion in our experimental conditions. Incorporating DHA oil in functional food may finally improve the global health status by generating precursors of protectins and maresins.

Characterization of the unique In Vitro effects of unsaturated fatty acids on the formation of amyloid β fibrils.

Accumulation of amyloid ß (Aß) peptides, the major component of amyloid fibrils in senile plaques, is one of the main causes of Alzheimer’s disease. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a fatty acid abundant in the brain, and is reported to have protective effects against Alzheimer’s disease, although the mechanistic effects of DHA against Alzheimer’s pathophysiology remain unclear. Because dietary supplementation of DHA in Aß precursor protein transgenic mice ameliorates Aß pathology and behavioral deficits, we hypothesize that DHA may affect the fibrillization and deposition of Aß. Here we studied the effect of different types of fatty acids on Aß fibril formation by in vitro Aß fibrillization assay. Formation of amyloid fibrils consists of two steps, i.e., the initial nucleation phase and the following elongation phase. We found that unsaturated fatty acids, especially DHA, accelerated the formation of Aß fibrils with a unique short and curved morphology in its nucleation phase, which did not elongate further into the long and straight, mature Aß fibrils. Addition of DHA afterwards did not modify the morphology of the mature Aß(1–40) fibrils. The short and curved Aß fibrils formed in the presence of DHA did not facilitate the elongation phase of Aß fibril formation, suggesting that DHA promotes the formation of “off-pathway” conformers of Aß. Our study unravels a possible mechanism of how DHA acts protectively against the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease.

Maternal omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on offspring hip joint conformation

Unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), when fed to dogs improves cognitive and neurological development. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has also been associated with lipid peroxidation, which in turn has been implicated in reduced body weight and altered bone formation. To assess the impact of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on skeletal growth, diets containing three levels of DHA and EPA (0.01 and 0.01%, 0.14 and 0.12%, and 0.21 and 0.18%, respectively) were fed to bitches during gestation and lactation with puppies also supplemented through weaning. Thus, the subjects studied were the puppies supplemented with DHA and EPA through gestation and early postnatal life. The hip joint conformation of the puppies (n = 676) was recorded at adulthood using two radiographic, non-invasive evaluations. In this population, females had higher hip distraction indices (DI) than males. Males from the lower two levels of DHA and EPA supplementation had significantly smaller hip DI than all females and males from the highest DHA and EPA supplementation. In contrast, there were no diet effects on anatomical indicators of hip joint conformation and no visible arthritic changes. These data suggest that dietary supplementation of DHA and EPA during gestation and the perinatal period to weaning does not adversely influence hip joint formation of dogs.

Rumen Biohydrogenation and Microbial Community Changes Upon Early Life Supplementation of 22:6n-3 Enriched Microalgae to Goats.

Dietary supplementation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-enriched products inhibits the final step of biohydrogenation in the adult rumen, resulting in the accumulation of 18:1 isomers, particularly of trans(t)-11 18:1. Occasionally, a shift toward the formation of t10 intermediates at the expense of t11 intermediates can be triggered. However, whether similar impact would occur when supplementing DHA-enriched products during pregnancy or early life remains unknown. Therefore, the current in vivo study aimed to investigate the effect of a nutritional intervention with DHA in the early life of goat kids on rumen biohydrogenation and microbial community. Delivery of DHA was achieved by supplementing DHA-enriched microalgae (DHA Gold) either to the maternal diet during pregnancy (prenatal) or to the diet of the young offspring (postnatal). At the age of 12 weeks, rumen fluid was sampled for analysis of long-chain fatty acids and microbial community based on bacterial 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Postnatal supplementation with DHA-enriched microalgae inhibited the final biohydrogenation step, as observed in adult animals. This resulted particularly in increased ruminal proportions of t11 18:1 rather than a shift to t10 intermediates, suggesting that both young and adult goats might be less prone to dietary induced shifts toward the formation of t10 intermediates, in comparison with cows. Although Butyrivibrio species have been identified as the most important biohydrogenating bacteria, this genus was more abundant when complete biohydrogenation, i.e. 18:0 formation, was inhibited. Blautia abundance was positively correlated with 18:0 accumulation, whereas Lactobacillus spp. Dialister spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. were more abundant in situations with greater t10 accumulation. Extensive comparisons made between current results and literature data indicate that current associations between biohydrogenation intermediates and rumen bacteria in young goats align with former observations in adult ruminants.

Lessening hepatic injury in cholestatic liver by optimal dietary docosahexaenoic acid supplementation in rats

Background: Dietary adjuvant management for the cholestatic liver disease before/after surgery is an important clinical issue. This study investigated the possibility for the dietary supplementation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to treat cholestasis liver through the bile duct ligation (BDL) rat model. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (N: no BDL; BL, 1P, 5P: received BDL) and consumed either a regular diet (N, BL) or of DHA-enriched diet (1P: at 1% and 5P: at 5% weight percentage) for 4 weeks. The liver fatty acids (FAs) profiles, serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon γ (INF-γ), and pathological examination with H and E, Masson, CD56 (natural killer cell), CD68 (macrophage) were examined. Results: The DHA dietary supplement increased liver DHA after BDL. Liver DHA N 8.09 ± 0.60% and BL 8.41 ± 0.55% were the lowest than the supplemented groups 1P 12.57 ± 1.16%, 5P 18.36 ± 2.00% (P = 0.000). However, liver arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) 1P 23.13 ± 2.19% was the highest than N 18.86 ± 4.31%, BL 17.13 ± 3.07%, 5P 18.78 ± 1.76% (P = 0.001). The serum AST (U/L) in N 147.4 ± 28.2 and 1P 155.9 ± 35.1 were lower than B 317.1 ± 195.8, 5P 326.9 ± 141. 8 (P = 0.006). The serum alkaline phosphatase (U/L) showed the same trend N 49.8 ± 5.4, 1P 67.6 ± 21.1 were lower than the BL 172.2 ± 108.1, 5P 171.1 ± 149.1 (P = 0.017). Pathological examination with H and E, Masson revealed the fibrosis was prominent in BL, 5P. However, there were no significant differences in serum ALT, total bilirubin, IL-2, INF-γ, and immunohistochemical stain for the CD56, CD68. Conclusions: The results suggested that optimal dietary supplementing of DHA (1P) had less destruction and liver enzymes released after the BDL. However, higher enriched DHA (5P) could not benefit from this dietary treatment. The body weight did not increase even with this enriched high FAs diet after BDL for 4 weeks.

In vitro Modulation of the LPS-Induced Proinflammatory Profile of Hepatocytes and Macrophages- Approaches for Intervention in Obesity?

Low grade endotoxemia is a feature of obesity which is linked to development of steatohepatitis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In this study, macrophages (J774) and hepatocytes (HepG2) were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from E. coli 0111: B4 and analyzed for modulation of this response when preconditioned or stimulated subsequent to LPS, with different doses of Vitamin D3 or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) over a time period of 1 and 5 days. Pro-inflammatory TNFα and pro-fibrotic TGFβ released into the supernatants were measured by ELISA; qPCR was performed for Srebp-1c and PPARα mRNA (genes for products involved in fatty acid synthesis and catabolism, respectively). Vitamin D3 and DHA exerted a consistent, dose dependent anti-inflammatory effect, and increased PPARα relative to Srebp-1c in both cell types. By contrast, addition of free fatty acids (FFA, oleic acid/palmitic acid 2:1) caused aggravation of LPS-induced inflammatory reaction and an increase of Srebp-1c relative to PPARα. Our results argue in favor of dietary supplementation of Vitamin D3 or DHA (and avoidance of monounsaturated/saturated fatty acids) to alleviate development of fatty liver disease.

Dietary Crude Lecithin Increases Systemic Availability of Dietary Docosahexaenoic Acid with Combined Intake in Rats.

Crude lecithin, a mixture of mainly phospholipids, potentially helps to increase the systemic availability of dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Nevertheless, no clear data exist on the effects of prolonged combined dietary supplementation of DHA and lecithin on RBC and plasma PUFA levels. In the current experiments, levels of DHA and choline, two dietary ingredients that enhance neuronal membrane formation and function, were determined in plasma and red blood cells (RBC) from rats after dietary supplementation of DHA-containing oils with and without concomitant dietary supplementation of crude lecithin for 2–3 weeks. The aim was to provide experimental evidence for the hypothesized additive effects of dietary lecithin (not containing any DHA) on top of dietary DHA on PUFA levels in plasma and RBC. Dietary supplementation of DHA-containing oils, either as vegetable algae oil or as fish oil, increased DHA, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and total n-3 PUFA, and decreased total omega-6 PUFA levels in plasma and RBC, while dietary lecithin supplementation alone did not affect these levels. However, combined dietary supplementation of DHA and lecithin increased the changes induced by DHA supplementation alone. Animals receiving a lecithin-containing diet also had a higher plasma free choline concentration as compared to controls. In conclusion, dietary DHA-containing oils and crude lecithin have synergistic effects on increasing plasma and RBC n-3 PUFA levels, including DHA and EPA. By increasing the systemic availability of dietary DHA, dietary lecithin may increase the efficacy of DHA supplementation when their intake is combined.

Deficiency in the Omega-3 Fatty Acid Pathway Results in Failure of Acrosome Biogenesis in Mice1

An omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is enriched in testicular membrane phospholipids, but its function is not well understood. The Fads2 gene encodes an enzyme required for the endogenous synthesis of DHA. Using Fads2-null mice (Fads2-/-), we found in our preceding studies that DHA deficiency caused the arrest of spermiogenesis and male infertility, both of which were reversed by dietary DHA. In this study, we investigated a cellular mechanism underlying the DHA essentiality in spermiogenesis. Periodic acid-Schiff staining and acrosin immunohistochemistry revealed the absence of acrosomes in Fads2-/- round spermatids. Acrosin, an acrosomal marker, was scattered throughout the cytoplasm of the Fads2-/- spermatids, and electron microscopy showed that proacrosomal granules were formed on the trans-face of the Golgi. However, excessive endoplasmic reticulum and vesicles were present on the cis-face of the Golgi in Fads2-/- spermatids. The presence of proacrosomal vesicles but lack of a developed acrosome in Fads2-/- spermatids suggested failed vesicle fusion. Syntaxin 2, a protein involved in vesicle fusion, colocalized with acrosin in the acrosome of wild-type mice. In contrast, syntaxin 2 remained scattered in reticular structures and showed no extensive colocalization with acrosin in the Fads2-/- spermatids, suggesting failed fusion with acrosin-containing vesicles or failed transport and release of syntaxin 2 vesicles from Golgi. Dietary supplementation of DHA in Fads2-/- mice restored an intact acrosome. In conclusion, acrosome biogenesis under DHA deficiency is halted after release of proacrosomal granules. Misplaced syntaxin 2 suggests an essential role of DHA in proper delivery of membrane proteins required for proacrosomal vesicle fusion.

Cognitive function in 18-month-old term infants of the DIAMOND study: A randomized, controlled clinical trial with multiple dietary levels of docosahexaenoic acid

Background Studies investigating cognitive outcomes following docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation of infant formula yield conflicting results, perhaps due to inadequate dietary concentrations. Aim To determine the optimal DHA concentration in term formula to support cognitive maturation. Design This was a double-masked, randomized, controlled, prospective trial. A total of 181 infants were enrolled at 1–9 days of age and assigned randomly to receive one of four term infant formulas with one of four levels of docosahexaenoic acid: Control (0% DHA), 0.32% DHA, 0.64% DHA, or 0.96% DHA. All DHA-supplemented formulas contained 0.64% arachidonic acid (ARA). Infants were fed the assigned formulas until 12 months of age. One hundred forty-one children completed the 12-month feeding trial and were eligible for this study. Cognitive function was assessed in 131 children at 18 months of age using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II (BSID II). Results There were no diet group differences on the Mental Development Index (MDI), the Psychomotor Development Index (PDI), or the Behavior Rating Scale (BRS) of the BSID II. However, when the scores of children who received any of the three DHA-supplemented formulas were combined and compared to control children, a significant difference emerged: the MDI scores of DHA-supplemented children were higher (104.1 v. 98.4; p = 0.02). Conclusions These results suggest that dietary supplementation of DHA during the first year of life leads to enhanced cognitive development at 18 months of age. DHA concentration of 0.32% is adequate to improve cognitive function; higher concentrations did not confer additional benefit.

ELOVL2 controls the level of n-6 28:5 and 30:5 fatty acids in testis, a prerequisite for male fertility and sperm maturation in mice

ELOVL2 is a member of the mammalian microsomal ELOVL fatty acid enzyme family, involved in the elongation of very long-chain fatty acids including PUFAs required for various cellular functions in mammals. Here, we used ELOVL2-ablated (Elovl2(-/-)) mice to show that the PUFAs with 24-30 carbon atoms of the ω-6 family in testis are indispensable for normal sperm formation and fertility in male mice. The lack of Elovl2 was associated with a complete arrest of spermatogenesis, with seminiferous tubules displaying only spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes without further germinal cells. Furthermore, based on acyl-CoA profiling, heterozygous Elovl2(+/-) male mice exhibited haploinsufficiency, with reduced levels of C28:5 and C30:5n-6 PUFAs, which gave rise to impaired formation and function of haploid spermatides. These new insights reveal a novel mechanism involving ELOVL2-derived PUFAs in mammals and previously unrecognized roles for C28 and C30 n-6 PUFAs in male fertility. In accordance with the function suggested for ELOVL2, the Elovl2(-/-) mice show distorted levels of serum C20 and C22 PUFAs from both the n-3 and the n-6 series. However, dietary supplementation with C22:6n-3 could not restore male fertility to Elovl2(+/-) mice, suggesting that the changes in n-6 fatty acid composition seen in the testis of the Elovl2(+/-) mice, cannot be compensated by increased C22:6n-3 content.

DEPRESSION AND LOW SERUM LEVELS OF DOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID (DHA) ARE ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASING NUMBER OF PREGNANCIES AMONG POSTPARTUM OMANI WOMEN

Depression is a global public-health burden. It has been suggested that dietary supplementation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) during the prenatal stage may lead to an improvement in postpartum depression. No relevant studies have been conducted in the Sultanate of Oman investigating the status of depression and serum levels of DHA during postpartum period.

Maternal docosahexaenoic acid-enriched diet prevents neonatal brain injury

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy due to neonatal asphyxia is one of the most important causes of delayed neurological development. Prolonged neuronal apoptosis plays an important role in the processes contributing to neuronal degeneration. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a major component of brain membrane phospholipids, prevents neuronal cell apoptosis and plays an important role as an anti-oxidant agent. We investigated the neuroprotective and anti-oxidant effects of maternal DHA supplementation during pregnancy in a model of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Pregnant rats were randomly assigned to two experimental groups: a control group or a DHA-enriched diet group. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy was produced by left common carotid artery occlusion and exposure to 8% oxygen for 1.5 h. TUNEL assay, immunohistochemistry for caspase-3 and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and Western blot for caspase-3 were performed at postnatal days 8, 10 and 14. Fatty acid composition of brain was estimated on postnatal day 7. Maternal diet clearly influenced brain fatty acid composition in pups. Numbers of apoptotic neuronal cells and 8-OHdG immunoreactivity were significantly decreased in the DHA-enriched group. Our findings indicate that maternal DHA-enriched diet during pregnancy provides neuroprotection by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptotic neuronal death. Dietary supplementation of DHA during pregnancy may thus be beneficial in preventing neonatal brain injury.

Dietary supplementation with cholesterol and docosahexaenoic acid affects concentrations of amino acids in tissues of young pigs

Cholesterol and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are important nutrients for neural development of infants. However, little is known about the effect of cholesterol or DHA on concentrations of amino acids (AA) in neonatal tissues. This study was conducted with the piglet (an established model for studying human infant nutrition) to test the hypothesis that dietary supplementation with the lipids may modulate AA availability in tissues. Sixteen newborn pigs were nursed by sows for 24 h and then assigned to one of four treatment groups, representing supplementation with 0.0% (control), 0.2% cholesterol, 0.2% DHA, or cholesterol plus DHA to the basal milk-formula. All piglets were euthanized at 49 days of age. In brain, cholesterol supplementation reduced (P < 0.05) concentrations of glutamate, serine, glutamine, threonine, beta-alanine, alanine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, and gamma-aminobutyrate but increased (P < 0.05) concentrations of glycine and lysine, whereas DHA supplementation similarly affected (P < 0.05) concentrations of the same AA (except for isoleucine and lysine) and taurine. In addition, concentrations of most AA in liver, muscle and plasma were substantially altered by dietary supplementation of cholesterol and DHA in a tissue-dependent manner. Further, DHA reduced concentrations of carnosine in skeletal muscle, as well as ammonia in both plasma and brain. The results reveal that cholesterol and DHA can regulate AA metabolism and availability in various tissues of piglets. These novel findings have important implications for designing the next generation of infant formula to optimize neonatal growth and development.

Dietary prevention of visual function and cognitive decline by omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in senescence accelerated mouse P8 (SAM P8)

Abstract Purpose Cerebral and retinal neurons contain high amounts of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA levels decrease in the aging brain together with the cognitive performances. We evaluated the effects of a dietary supplementation with DHA on mood, cognition and visual functionality in a mouse model for aging, the SAM P8. Methods SAM P8 and control animals were fed from weaning until 12 months of age with a standard diet or a diet supplemented with DHA (6%). After 5 and 12 months of diet, we evaluated the scotopic ERG, the working memory and the despair behaviour. The fatty acid content of the retina and the brain were determined by gas chromatography. Results DHA supplementation led to its significant incorporation in the retina and the brain. An age‐related loss of the ERG b‐wave amplitude was observed from 5 to 12 months of age in control SAM P8 whereas this visual impairment was prevented by DHA supplementation. Dietary DHA supplementation reduced the despair behaviour of control mice but not that of SAM P8. Conclusion Dietary supplementation of DHA increased its retinal and cerebral incorporation. DHA successfully prevented the age‐related loss of visual function in SAM P8 but did not improve the depression‐like symptoms.

Changes in rumen biohydrogenation intermediates and ciliate protozoa diversity after algae supplementation to dairy cattle

AbstractDuring an in vivo trial with four rumen‐fistulated dairy cows, the effect of dietary supplementation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6 n‐3)‐enriched microalgae (Schizochytrium sp., 2% on feed intake) on the fatty acid metabolism and microbial community in the rumen was investigated. Algal supplementation resulted in lower concentrations of saturated fatty acids while the concentrations of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids increased as compared to the control treatment. An incomplete biohydrogenation of linoleic (18:2 n‐6) and linolenic (18:3 n‐3) acid was observed, resulting in a strong accumulation of 18:1 t11, 18:1 t10 and 18:2 t11c15. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) was performed to study the rumen bacterial and ciliate population. Algal supplementation provoked changes in both communities. Ciliate DGGE profiles suggested a decreased abundance of Isotricha prostoma and I. intestinalis and some species of Epidinium caudatum, Eudiplodinium maggii and Diplodinium dentatum in the rumen of algae‐fed cows. Moreover, quantitative PCR indicated that incomplete biohydrogenation through algal addition was associated with decreased ciliate numbers. The simultaneous accumulation of hydrogenation intermediates and the disappearance of ciliates suggest that ciliates and/or their associated bacteria could play a role in rumen biohydrogenation.

Visual function in breast-fed term infants weaned to formula with or without long-chain polyunsaturates at 4 to 6 months: A randomized clinical trial

Objective Breast-fed infants receive docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) in their diet. Upon weaning, infants lose this dietary source of long-chain polyunsaturates because many commercial formulas do not contain these important constituents for neural membrane biogenesis. We evaluated the benefits of postweaning dietary supplementation of DHA + ARA on visual maturation. Study design Healthy term infants (n = 61) were breast-fed to 4 to 6 months, then were randomly assigned to commercial formula or formula supplemented with DHA (0.36%) + ARA (0.72%). Measurements of red blood cell (RBC) fatty acids, visually evoked potential (VEP) acuity, and stereoacuity were done before and after weaning. Results At 1 year of age, RBC-DHA in the commercial formula-fed group was reduced by 50% from the weaning level, whereas there was a 24% increase in the DHA + ARA-supplemented group. The primary outcome measure, VEP acuity, was significantly more mature in supplemented infants at 1 year of age. Elevated RBC-DHA levels were associated with more mature VEP acuity. There were no significant diet-related differences in stereoacuity. Conclusions These data extend through the first year of life the critical period in which a dietary supply of DHA and ARA can contribute in optimizing visual development in term infants. (J Pediatr 2003;142:669-77)

Lipids in breast milk and infant formula, and lipid nutrition

Human breast milk is a best source for infant's growth and development. There are some essential fatty acids such linoleic acid as n-6 series and alpha-linolenic acid as n-3 series in the breast milk. Infant formula is a best nutritional food for infants, and domestic current formula fortified with docosahexaenoic acid meet to the level of human milk is on the market. Therefore, it is important to know what effect of dietary lipids exerts on the life body and what kinds of dietary lipids are necessary to produce an appropriate lipid status in infants. Dietary supplementation of docosahexaenoic acid affects on the learning ability of young rats, with young rats fed the docosahexaenoic acid fortified diet being superior than those fed the docosahexaenoic acid unfortified diet.