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Erythrocyte DHA and AA in infancy is not associated with developmental status and cognitive functioning five years

Sigrun Henjum1, Ingrid Kvestad2, Merina Shrestha3

  • 1OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Postboks 4, St. Olavs plass, Oslo, Norway. sigrun.henjum@hioa.no.

Nutrition Journal
|July 21, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Infant docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) levels were not associated with later neurodevelopment in Nepal. This study highlights the need for more research on fatty acid status and cognitive development in low-income regions.

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional Neuroscience
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Global Health

Background:

  • Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), particularly DHA and AA, are vital for infant brain development.
  • Limited data exists on fatty acid status and cognitive outcomes in children from low-income countries.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between infant DHA and AA status and neurodevelopmental outcomes at age five.
  • To address the scarcity of data on fatty acid status and cognitive development in low-income settings.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed DHA and AA status in 320 infants via red blood cell composition.
  • Measured developmental status using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) at age five.
  • Evaluated cognitive functioning with NEPSY II subtests at age five.
  • Employed multiple linear and logistic regression models to analyze associations.

Main Results:

  • No significant associations were found between infant DHA/AA status and ASQ-3 or NEPSY II scores at five years.
  • Erythrocyte DHA and AA concentrations in infants were higher than anticipated.
  • Left-skewed ASQ scores potentially limited the detection of associations.

Conclusions:

  • Infant DHA and AA status did not appear to correlate with neurodevelopment measured five years later in this Nepali population.
  • Findings suggest that factors beyond DHA/AA status may influence neurodevelopment in this context.
Abstract

Keywords:
AACognitive functioningDHADevelopmental statusFollow up studyNepalese childrenPlasma phospholipidsPolyunsaturated fatty acids

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