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Published on: November 29, 2013
[The role of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in child development]
I V Ozerskaia1, L G Khachatryan1, N G Kolosova1
1I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), 119991, Moscow, Russian Federation.
Insights
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are crucial for child development, impacting the brain, immune system, and vision. Supplementation may be necessary due to low dietary intake, especially in regions like the Russian Federation.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are vital components of cell membranes, influencing organ development and function.
- Adequate PUFA intake is critical during rapid growth phases, including early childhood and adolescence.
- Dietary sources are essential as humans cannot synthesize these fatty acids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and analyze existing literature on the impact of omega-3 PUFAs on children's central nervous system, immune system, and vision.
- To consolidate data for professionals to inform clinical studies and supplementation guidelines.
- To highlight the importance of omega-3 PUFAs in pediatric development.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of 86 sources.
- Keyword searches conducted across major scientific databases: PubMed, Scopus, Elsevier, eLibrary, and Google Scholar.
Main Results:
- Omega-3 PUFAs (ALA, DHA, EPA) are essential for brain development, supporting neurogenesis, neuronal migration, synaptogenesis, and neurotransmission.
- Cognitive function effects in healthy children and those with ADHD show mixed results, necessitating further research.
- Supplementation with omega-3 PUFAs has shown potential in reducing the incidence and duration of acute respiratory viral infections and improving retinal development in premature infants.
- Omega-3 PUFAs play a role in regulating immune cell function and controlling inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Sufficient omega-3 PUFA intake is fundamental for optimal development and function of the central nervous system, immune system, and vision in children.
- Dietary habits significantly influence omega-3 PUFA levels, with a notable deficiency observed in populations like the Russian Federation.
- Supplementation with omega-3 PUFAs is recommended for individuals with unbalanced diets to address potential deficiencies.
Abstract:
ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are incorporated in cell membranes and play an important role in the development and functioning of organs. Consolidation of data on the role of ω-3 PUFAs in child development may increase the professional's awareness, help to plan clinical studies, and develop recommendations for supplementation. The aim of the research was to analyze literature data on the effect of ω-3 PUFAs on the central nervous system, immune system, and vision in children. Material and methods. 86 literature sources have been analyzed, a keyword search was carried out in the PubMed, Scopus, Elsevier, eLibrary and Google Scholar databases. Results. ω-3 PUFAs (alpha-linolenic, docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids) are not synthesized in the human organism, and should be obtained from food. The need for ω-3 PUFAs is especially high during periods of rapid growth (the first years of life and adolescence). ω-3 PUFAs play an important role in the anatomical and functional development of the brain, affecting the maturation and functioning of neurons, participating in the processes of neurogenesis, migration, synaptogenesis, and neurotransmission. The results of clinical studies on the effect of ω-3 PUFAs on the cognitive functions of healthy children and patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are contradictory, which requ ires further research. PUFAs are substrates for the synthesis of bioactive compounds and take part in the control of acute and chronic inflammation, and also have a regulatory effect on immune cells. ω-3 PUFAs supplementation decreases the frequency and duration of acute respiratory viral infections in children. This indicates the potential effectiveness of ω-3 PUFAs in the prevention of acute respiratory viral infections. Сlinical studies demonstrated positive effects of ω-3 PUFAs on retinal development in premature infants. Conclusion. Adequate intake of ω-3 PUFAs is essential for the development and functioning of the central nervous system, immune system and vision in children. The body content of ω-3 PUFAs is closely related to the nutrition. In the Russian Federation, consumption of fish and other products containing ω-3 PUFAs is traditionally low. The majority of the Russian population has a deficiency in ω-3 PUFA consumption. With an unbalanced diet, supplementation of ω-3 PUFAs is necessary.
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