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Perinatal nutrition impacts on the functional development of the visual tract in infants

Jonna Normia1, Katri Niinivirta-Joutsa2, Erika Isolauri1

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.

Pediatric Research
|September 22, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Maternal fish consumption during pregnancy and infant serum fatty acids are linked to infant visual system development. Higher fish intake correlated with improved visual evoked potentials, indicating potential neurodevelopmental benefits.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Nutritional Science
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Maternal diet and serum fatty acids during pregnancy and infancy are crucial for infantile neurodevelopment.
  • Investigating the impact of these factors on the developing central nervous system is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the associations between maternal diet, specifically fish consumption, and serum fatty acid profiles during pregnancy and early infancy.
  • To evaluate the impact of these factors on infantile neurodevelopment, particularly the visual system.

Main Methods:

  • Pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials (pVEP) were recorded in 56 children at 2 years of age to assess central nervous system maturation.
  • Maternal nutrient intake and fish consumption were assessed via food diaries and questionnaires during pregnancy.
  • Serum phospholipid fatty acids were analyzed using gas chromatography in late pregnancy and at 1 month postpartum.

Main Results:

  • Children born to mothers consuming fish three or more times weekly in the third trimester showed significantly higher pVEP P100 amplitude.
  • Maternal and infant serum phospholipid fatty acid levels demonstrated correlations with the children's pVEP measurements.
  • These findings suggest a positive association between higher fish consumption and visual system maturation.

Conclusions:

  • Fish consumption during pregnancy and perinatal serum fatty acid status may be associated with neurodevelopment in the visual system during infancy.
  • This study highlights the potential role of dietary fatty acids in early neurodevelopment.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm these associations in larger cohorts.
Abstract

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