Alpha-linolenic acid, long-chain n-3 fatty acids, and neonatal brain development.
There appear to be mechanisms that enable the developing brain to regulate its concentration of 22:6n-3 in response to both dietary deficiencies and excesses. This appears to be true whether the n-3 fatty acids are supplied as 18:3n-3 or the long-chain derivatives, suggesting that the presence of 22:6n-3 during development may be of functional consequence to the operation of the nervous system. Although there is experimental support for specific effects of n-3 fatty acids on retinal function, further studies with better methodological controls are needed before effects on cognitive function in rodents can be considered unequivocal.
Wainwright
P E
PE
Department of Health Studies, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn / Q000254:growth & development*; D001921:Brain / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated / Q000494:pharmacology; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008042:Linolenic Acids / Q000502:physiology*; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid
D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D008042:Linolenic Acids; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid