Long term effects of long chain polyunsaturated fats in hyperphenylalaninemic children

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Neuroscience
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) is a metabolic disorder affecting phenylalanine metabolism.
• Visual function deficits are observed in some children with HPA.
• Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are crucial for visual development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the long-term effects of LCPUFA supplementation on blood fatty acid status and visual function in children with HPA.
• To determine if improvements observed during LCPUFA treatment are sustained after cessation.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 20 children with HPA.
• Participants were supplemented with either LCPUFA (including DHA) or placebo for 12 months.
• Blood fatty acid levels and visual evoked potentials (P100 wave latency) were assessed.
• Follow-up assessments were conducted three years after the treatment period.

Main Results:

• At the end of supplementation, the LCPUFA group showed improved blood DHA levels and reduced P100 wave latency compared to placebo.
• Three years after treatment cessation, blood DHA levels in the LCPUFA group returned to baseline.
• Similarly, P100 wave latency in the LCPUFA group also reverted to baseline levels.

Conclusions:

• Short-term LCPUFA supplementation can transiently improve biochemical markers and visual function in children with HPA.
• The observed benefits on blood DHA levels and visual function are not sustained long-term after discontinuation of supplementation.
• Further research is needed to explore strategies for maintaining long-term benefits in HPA management.