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Related Concept Videos

Overview of Fatty Acid Metabolism01:28

Overview of Fatty Acid Metabolism

Lipids also are sources of energy that power cellular processes. Like carbohydrates, lipids are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, but these atoms are arranged differently. Most lipids are nonpolar and hydrophobic. Major types include fats and oils, waxes, phospholipids, and steroids.
Fatty acids are catabolized in a process called beta-oxidation, which takes place in the matrix of the mitochondria and converts their fatty acid chains into two-carbon units of acetyl groups. The acetyl...
Structure of Lipids03:38

Structure of Lipids

Lipids include a diverse group of compounds that are largely nonpolar in nature. This is because they are hydrocarbons that include mostly nonpolar carbon-carbon or carbon-hydrogen bonds. Non-polar molecules are hydrophobic (“water fearing”), or insoluble in water. Lipids perform many different functions in a cell. Cells store energy for long-term use in the form of fats. Lipids also provide insulation from the environment for plants and animals. For example, they help keep aquatic birds and...
Gut-Brain Axis01:22

Gut-Brain Axis

The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...
Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body01:31

Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body

Fats and lipids are crucial components in the human body. Some lipid-derived compounds, such as fat-soluble vitamins, eicosanoids, lipoproteins, and glycolipids, also play unique roles to support various  biological processes .
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin, delayed...
What are Lipids?01:38

What are Lipids?

Overview
Fats as Energy Storage Molecules01:06

Fats as Energy Storage Molecules

Triglycerides are a form of long-term energy storage molecules. They are made of glycerol and three fatty acids. To obtain energy from fat, triglycerides must first be broken down by hydrolysis into their two principal components, fatty acids and glycerol. This process, called lipolysis, takes place in the cytoplasm. The resulting fatty acids are oxidized by β-oxidation into acetyl-CoA, which is used by the Krebs cycle. The glycerol that is released from triglycerides after lipolysis directly...

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Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Concurrent Collection of Fetal Murine Brain and Serum to Assess Effects of Maternal Diet on Nutrition and Neurodevelopment in Neurofibromatosis Type 1
05:44

Concurrent Collection of Fetal Murine Brain and Serum to Assess Effects of Maternal Diet on Nutrition and Neurodevelopment in Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Published on: May 17, 2024

Fatty acids and neurodevelopment.

J Belkind-Gerson1, A Carreón-Rodríguez, C O Contreras-Ochoa

  • 1Instituto Nacional de Salud Publica (National Institute of Public Health), Centro de Investigacion en Salud Poblacional, Mexico.

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|August 2, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) are crucial for infant brain development. Studies show DHA and AA supplementation in infant formulas may enhance visual and cognitive development.

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Lipidomics and Transcriptomics in Neurological Diseases
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Lipidomics and Transcriptomics in Neurological Diseases
09:58

Lipidomics and Transcriptomics in Neurological Diseases

Published on: March 18, 2022

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Nutritional Science
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA), are vital for neurodevelopment.
  • These fatty acids are concentrated in the brain during early development and found in breast milk.
  • LCPUFA deficiency is linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, highlighting their importance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of fatty acids in neurodevelopment.
  • To summarize findings from clinical trials on infant formulas supplemented with DHA and/or AA.
  • To assess the impact of these fatty acids on visual and cognitive development.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and randomized clinical trials.
  • Analysis of studies investigating the effects of DHA and AA supplementation in infant formulas.
  • Focus on the physiological roles of esterified and non-esterified polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Main Results:

  • DHA and AA are rapidly incorporated into the brain during the first year of life.
  • Supplementation of infant formulas with DHA or DHA and AA has been studied for its effects on development.
  • Evidence suggests a physiological importance of DHA in visual and neural systems.

Conclusions:

  • Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) play critical roles in neurodevelopment.
  • Further research and clinical trials are evaluating the benefits of supplemented infant formulas.
  • Understanding fatty acid metabolism and function is key to optimizing infant neurodevelopment.