Maternal LC-PUFA status during pregnancy and child problem behavior: the Generation R Study

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Jolien C J Steenweg-de Graaff1, Henning Tiemeier2, Maartje G J Basten1

  • 11] The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands [2] Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC-Sophia, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Pediatric Research
|December 19, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Maternal omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, and a higher n-3:n-6 ratio during pregnancy were linked to fewer child emotional problems. Higher arachidonic acid (AA) was associated with increased behavioral issues in children.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), including omega-3 (n-3) and omega-6 (n-6) fatty acids, are crucial for fetal brain development.
  • The ratio of n-3 to n-6 LC-PUFAs is also considered important for optimal neurodevelopment.
  • The impact of maternal LC-PUFA status during pregnancy on subsequent child behavioral outcomes remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between maternal plasma concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and arachidonic acid (AA) during pregnancy and the risk of emotional and behavioral problems in children at age 6.
  • To examine the role of the maternal n-3:n-6 ratio in relation to child behavioral outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A population-based cohort study measured maternal plasma DHA, EPA, and AA levels, along with the n-3:n-6 ratio, in mid-pregnancy.
  • Child emotional and behavioral problems at age 6 were assessed using parent-reported Child Behavior Checklist and teacher-reported Teacher Report Form.
  • Data were analyzed using logistic regression to determine odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Main Results:

  • Higher maternal DHA concentrations were associated with reduced odds of child emotional problems, based on parent (OR=0.82, P=0.02) and combined parent/teacher reports (OR=0.79, P=0.01).
  • A higher maternal n-3:n-6 ratio also correlated with fewer child emotional problems (parent: OR=0.83, P=0.01; combined: OR=0.77, P<0.01).
  • Elevated maternal AA levels were linked to increased child behavioral problems, according to teacher (OR=1.10, P=0.04) and combined parent/teacher reports (OR=1.12, P=0.02). Maternal EPA showed no significant association.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal status of specific LC-PUFAs, particularly DHA and the n-3:n-6 ratio, during pregnancy shows associations with child emotional and behavioral outcomes.
  • Findings suggest a potential role for maternal nutrition in modulating child neurodevelopment and behavior.
  • Further research is warranted to pinpoint critical LC-PUFA-sensitive periods in fetal brain development, necessitating longitudinal assessments of maternal LC-PUFA status throughout gestation.
Abstract

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