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n-6 and n-3 fatty acids during early human development
M A Crawford1, W Doyle, P Drury
1Nuffield Laboratory of Comparative Medicine, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park.
Journal of Internal Medicine. Supplement
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Pregnant women's diets varied by socio-economic status, impacting essential fatty acid (EFA) levels. Low birth weight infants showed high Mead acid, suggesting a significant need for EFAs in fetal brain development.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional science
- Maternal-fetal medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Dietary intake of essential fatty acids (EFAs) can vary significantly based on socio-economic factors.
- EFAs play a crucial role in fetal growth and development, particularly brain development.
- Understanding EFA status in relation to birth outcomes is vital for maternal and infant health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the dietary intake of pregnant women from different socio-economic backgrounds in London.
- To investigate the relationship between maternal and cord blood EFA levels and infant anthropometric measurements (birth weight, placental weight, head circumference).
- To assess the tissue status of EFAs in low birth weight infants by examining umbilical arteries.
Main Methods:
- Food intake analysis of pregnant women from two contrasting socio-economic areas.
- Measurement of essential fatty acids (EFAs) in maternal and cord blood samples.
- Biochemical analysis of umbilical arteries from 14 infants with varying birth weights.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in mean calorie and EFA intake were observed between the two socio-economic groups.
- Maternal and cord blood EFA levels correlated with birth weight, placental weight, and head circumference.
- Umbilical arteries of low birth weight infants exhibited surprisingly high levels of Mead acid (20:3 n-9).
Conclusions:
- Dietary EFA intake during pregnancy is influenced by socio-economic status.
- EFA levels in maternal and cord blood are associated with fetal growth parameters.
- Elevated Mead acid in low birth weight infants suggests a high demand for long-chain n-6 and n-3 fatty acids for fetal brain development, rather than necessarily indicating deficiency.