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Neonatal fatty acid status and neurodevelopmental outcome at 9 years

Corina de Jong1, Hedwig K Kikkert2, Jorien Seggers2

  • 1University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of General Practice, Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Developmental Neurology, Groningen, The Netherlands.

Early Human Development
|August 2, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Higher umbilical docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in infant boys is linked to better neurological development by age 9. Neonatal arachidonic acid (AA) status did not show a significant association with neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) are crucial for prenatal brain development.
  • Previous research on LCPUFA and neurodevelopment has yielded debated findings, with outcomes typically assessed up to age 7.
  • The long-term impact of neonatal LCPUFA status on development remains an area of investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between fatty acid status at birth and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 9 years of age.
  • To investigate the relationship between neonatal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) levels and neurological, cognitive, and behavioral development.
  • To assess neurodevelopmental outcomes at age 9, a period following significant developmental transitions.

Main Methods:

  • A correlational study design was employed, analyzing data from 235 children (74% of 317 eligible) reassessed at age 9.
  • Neonatal DHA and AA levels were measured in the umbilical vein wall.
  • Multivariable analyses were conducted to adjust for potential confounding factors, focusing on minor neurological dysfunction (cMND), cognitive (IQ), and behavioral outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Boys with complex minor neurological dysfunction (cMND) exhibited lower umbilical DHA levels compared to those with better neurological status (p=0.033).
  • This association between DHA and neurological status was not observed in girls.
  • Neonatal AA levels were not significantly associated with neurological, cognitive, or behavioral outcomes at age 9.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated umbilical cord DHA levels in male infants are associated with improved neurological development by age 9.
  • Neonatal AA status at birth does not appear to be associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes at 9 years.
  • The findings highlight a potential sex-specific role for DHA in long-term neurodevelopment.
Abstract

Keywords:
Fatty acidsLCPUFAMinor neurological dysfunctionNeurodevelopment

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