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Related Experiment Videos

Alpha-linolenic acid supplementation during human pregnancy does not effect cognitive functioning.

R H M de Groot1, J Adam, J Jolles

  • 1Department of Human Biology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands. rhm.degroot@NP.unimaas.nl

Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids
|December 4, 2003
PubMed
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Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) supplementation during pregnancy did not improve cognitive performance. Higher docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels were unexpectedly linked to slower cognitive function, warranting further research.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Nutritional Science
  • Obstetrics

Background:

  • Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is linked to cognitive function.
  • Pregnancy can lower DHA levels and potentially impair cognition.
  • The impact of ALA supplementation on maternal DHA status and cognition during pregnancy is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) supplementation on cognitive performance in pregnant women.
  • To assess the impact of ALA on maternal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) status during and after pregnancy.

Main Methods:

  • Pregnant women received margarine enriched with ALA or a control margarine with only linoleic acid (LA).
  • Cognitive performance was assessed using the finger precuing task.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Plasma DHA levels were measured at week 14 of pregnancy and 32 weeks postpartum.

    • Main Results:

    • ALA supplementation did not significantly alter maternal DHA status.
    • No significant differences in cognitive performance were observed between the ALA and control groups.
    • Higher plasma DHA levels correlated with longer reaction times, indicating poorer cognitive performance, at both measured time points.

    Conclusions:

    • ALA supplementation during pregnancy does not appear to enhance cognitive performance.
    • An unexpected inverse association between DHA levels and cognitive performance was observed.
    • Further investigation is needed to understand the potential adverse effects of high DHA levels on cognition during pregnancy and postpartum.