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A Systematic Review of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Consumption and Cognitive Outcomes in Neurodevelopment
Dean Sherzai1, Roman Moness1, Sophia Sherzai1
1Dept of Neurology, Brain Health and Alzheimer's Prevention Program, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA (AS, DS); Oak Ridge High School, El Dorado Hills, CA, USA (RM); California State University, Los Angeles, CA, USA (SS).
Insights
Omega-3 fatty acids (LC PUFA) show potential short-term benefits for neurodevelopment across all life stages. Lifelong supplementation is suggested for sustained cognitive support.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Nutritional Science
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Investigates the impact of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC PUFA) on human neurodevelopment.
- Covers research from 2000-2022, focusing on cognitive outcomes from fetal development through adolescence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the effects of omega-3 fatty acid consumption on neurodevelopment.
- To evaluate cognitive outcomes across different developmental phases.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies.
- Data sourced from PubMed, Web of Science, and ProQuest Central.
- Analysis included study type, PUFA dosage, participant age, and cognitive outcomes.
Main Results:
- 88 studies (69 RCTs, 19 observational) were included.
- Equivocal overall effects, with some short-term benefits in visual attention, working memory, executive function, and communication.
- Omega-3 supplementation may offer short-term positive impacts during fetal development, infancy, childhood, and adolescence.
Conclusions:
- Omega-3 supplementation may provide transient neurodevelopmental benefits.
- Continuous supplementation throughout life is potentially more beneficial than focusing solely on early development.
Introduction:
This systematic review addresses the effects of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids consumption on human neurodevelopment. It evaluates articles published between 2000 and 2022 investigating the cognitive outcomes during the period of neurodevelopment: from fetal development to adolescence. For the purpose of this review the terms LC PUFA and omega-3 fatty acid will be used interchangeably.
Method:
Data were sourced from several major databases including PubMed (MEDLINE), Web of Science, and ProQuest Central. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), nonrandomized controlled trials, prospective or retrospective cohort studies, and observational studies investigating the effects of omega-3 fatty acid consumption from dietary supplements, multiple-nutrient supplement, or food questionnaire on neurodevelopment were considered. Study population was separated in three developmental phases: (1) in-utero, (2) lactation/infancy, and (3) childhood/adolescence. Each article was evaluated for several key factors such as study type, type/dosage of PUFAs, number of subjects, length of intervention, participant age range, population characteristics, outcome measure (both primary/cognitive and secondary/other), results, conclusion, and confounding variables/limitations.
Results:
A total of 88 articles were included in the review, 69 RCTs and 19 longitudinal or observational studies. The results indicate equivocal effect of intervention, with some short-term benefits observed in the areas of visual attention, working memory, executive function, and communication. Omega-3 supplement might have a short-term positive impact on neurodevelopment in all three phases. Supplementation is recommended throughout life, rather than only during the earliest developmental stage.
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