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Omega-3 polygenic score protects against altered eating behavior in intrauterine growth-restricted children

Angela M Jaramillo-Ospina1, Gabriel T Roman2, Danitsa M Rodrigues3

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.

Pediatric Research
|May 4, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Infants born with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) may have altered eating behaviors. Genetics influence this, with higher omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) offering protection against eating issues in IUGR infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Nutrigenetics

Background:

  • Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is linked to eating behavior alterations in infants.
  • Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) may offer protective effects against these alterations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if a genetic background favoring omega-3 PUFA production influences eating behaviors in children born with IUGR.
  • To explore the association between genetic predisposition for PUFA metabolism and eating behaviors in IUGR and non-IUGR children.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from MAVAN and GUSTO cohorts, including IUGR/non-IUGR infants assessed at 4-5 years old.
  • Child eating behaviors were reported by parents using the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ).
  • Polygenic scores for serum PUFA levels were calculated based on genome-wide association studies (GWAS).

Main Results:

  • Significant interactions were found between IUGR status and polygenic scores for omega-3 and omega-6/omega-3 PUFA ratios concerning specific eating behaviors.
  • In IUGR infants, a higher polygenic score for omega-3 PUFA was associated with reduced emotional overeating.
  • Conversely, a higher polygenic score for the omega-6/omega-3 PUFA ratio was linked to increased desire to drink and emotional overeating in IUGR infants.

Conclusions:

  • Genetic predisposition for higher omega-3 PUFA levels appears protective against eating behavior alterations in infants born with IUGR.
  • A genetic profile favoring a higher omega-6/omega-3 PUFA ratio increases the risk of altered eating behaviors specifically in the IUGR group.
  • Individual genetic differences modulate the impact of IUGR on eating outcomes, influencing vulnerability and resilience.
Abstract

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