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Enzymatic Synthesis of Epoxidized Metabolites of Docosahexaenoic, Eicosapentaenoic, and Arachidonic Acids
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Beyond building better brains: bridging the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) gap of prematurity

W S Harris1, M L Baack2

  • 11] Sanford School of Medicine-University of South Dakota, Department of Internal Medicine, SD, USA [2] OmegaQuant, LLC, Sioux Falls, SD, USA [3] Health Diagnostics Laboratory Inc, SD, USA [4] Sanford Health Research Center, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association
|October 31, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Premature infants, especially those with very low birth weight, often lack docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Supplementation may improve outcomes and reduce risks associated with preterm birth.

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional Science
  • Neonatalogy
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA), is crucial for infant vision and neurodevelopment.
  • DHA accumulates rapidly in the third trimester, a period often missed by premature infants.
  • Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants experience prolonged DHA deficiency due to poor conversion, low fat stores, and limited postnatal intake.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the specific nutritional requirements of premature infants regarding DHA.
  • To review current guidelines for LCPUFA supplementation in infants.
  • To explore novel strategies for enhancing DHA levels in VLBW infants to mitigate health risks.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of DHA accretion and requirements in premature infants.
  • Analysis of current LCPUFA recommendations for infant nutrition.
  • Discussion of challenges and innovations in postnatal DHA supplementation.

Main Results:

  • Premature and VLBW infants are at high risk for DHA deficiency, impacting neurodevelopment and vision.
  • DHA supplementation shows potential protective effects against common neonatal morbidities like bronchopulmonary dysplasia and necrotizing enterocolitis.
  • Existing recommendations for LCPUFA intake may need adjustment for this vulnerable population.

Conclusions:

  • Addressing DHA deficiency in premature infants is critical for improving long-term health outcomes.
  • Innovative postnatal supplementation strategies are needed to optimize DHA levels in VLBW infants.
  • Further research into DHA's role in preventing neonatal diseases can guide clinical practice and improve survival rates.

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