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N-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids for optimal function during brain development and ageing
1Nutrition and Public Health Intervention Research Unit, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK.
Insights
n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPs) support infant visual and cognitive development. Emerging evidence suggests n-3 LCPs may also benefit cognitive health in older adults, with ongoing trials investigating their role in preventing age-related cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPs) are crucial for infant development.
- Early n-3 LCP supplementation in infants shows benefits for visual acuity and cognitive function.
- The role of n-3 LCPs in older adults' cognitive health is an emerging area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence for n-3 LCPs in visual and cognitive development across the lifespan.
- To highlight the potential of n-3 LCPs in maintaining cognitive function in older age.
- To introduce an ongoing randomized controlled trial assessing n-3 LCPs for retinal function and cognitive decline prevention in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on n-3 LCPs in infant, child, and adult populations.
- Analysis of cross-sectional and prospective cohort studies on n-3 LCPs and cognitive function in older adults.
- Description of a current randomized controlled trial in adults aged 70-79 years.
Main Results:
- n-3 LCPs are associated with enhanced visual acuity and cognitive abilities in infants and young children.
- Studies suggest a link between higher n-3 LCP intake/blood levels and reduced risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in older adults.
- Evidence for n-3 LCPs enhancing learning or behavior in school-aged children is currently limited.
Conclusions:
- Early n-3 LCP provision is vital for optimal visual and cognitive development in infants.
- n-3 LCPs show promise for preserving cognitive health and retinal function in aging populations.
- Further research, including ongoing trials, is needed to confirm the benefits of n-3 LCP supplementation in older adults.
Abstract:
We and others have demonstrated that provision of n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPs) in preterm and term babies is associated with retinal electrical responses to light stimuli, and to brain cortex related visual acuity maturation, that are similar to those observed in human milk fed infants. Our follow up results in young children suggest that neurodevelopment and cognitive abilities are also enhanced by early provision of n-3 LCPs through breast milk or DHA-fortified foods. Breast fed infants also require n-3 LCPs after weaning to achieve optimal visual acuity at 12 months of age. Good quality evidence supporting a role for n-3 LCP consumption to enhance learning and/or behaviour in school-age children is currently lacking. Evidence supporting the potential importance of n-3 LCP consumption for good cognitive health in older age is now beginning to emerge. Recent cross-sectional surveys have reported that higher fatty fish/n-3 LCP consumption and or higher n-3 LCP blood concentrations are associated with reduced risk of impaired cognitive function. Similarly, prospective cohort studies have shown that increased fish consumption and higher n-3 LCPs in blood lipid sub-fractions are associated with decreased risk of dementia in older people. We are presently conducting a large randomised controlled trial in a group of adults aged 70-79 years to assess whether an n-3 LCP supplement will preserve retinal function and prevent age related cognitive decline.
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