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Updated: Jan 21, 2026
09:38
Dietary Supplementation of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: November 29, 2013
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Polyunsaturated fatty acids in middle childhood and externalizing and internalizing behavior problems in adolescence
Sonia L Robinson1, Henry Oliveros2, Mercedes Mora-Plazas3
1Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|August 7, 2019
Summary
Childhood polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) impact adolescent behavior. Higher docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) linked to more externalizing problems, while altered enzyme activity may play a role.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Investigating the link between childhood nutrition and adolescent behavior is crucial for early intervention.
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), specifically omega-3 and omega-6, are vital for brain development and function.
- Understanding these associations can inform public health strategies for child development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between serum n-3 and n-6 PUFA levels in middle childhood and behavioral issues in adolescence.
- To explore the role of specific PUFA and related enzyme activities (D6D, D5D) in influencing behavior.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 444 Colombian schoolchildren (aged 5-12) had serum PUFA quantified via gas-liquid chromatography.
- Adolescent behavior problems (externalizing and internalizing) were assessed using the Youth Self Report (YSR) questionnaire after a median 6-year follow-up.
- Multivariable linear regression analyzed associations between PUFA quartiles, enzyme indices, and behavior scores, calculating adjusted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals.
Main Results:
- Elevated docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in childhood serum was positively associated with higher adolescent externalizing problem scores (1 unit increase per SD increase in DHA).
- Inverse relationship observed between the Δ5-desaturase (D5D) enzyme activity index and externalizing behaviors.
- Alpha-linolenic acid showed a positive association with internalizing problem scores, while adrenic acid was inversely related.
Conclusions:
- Childhood serum PUFA levels are associated with adolescent behavioral outcomes.
- The activity of the D5D enzyme may mediate some of these PUFA-behavior associations.
- Findings highlight the potential impact of fatty acid metabolism on neurodevelopment and behavior.
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