title: Lipids with an emphasis on long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.
abstract: In addition to their role as a source of energy, several fatty acids are important components of cell membranes and/or precursors of biologically important eicosanoids. The long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA), are important for optimal visual function and neurodevelopment. These fatty acids are present in human milk but, until recently, have not been included in formulas marketed in the United States. Although the results of clinical trials assessing the effect of DHA and AA intakes on visual and cognitive development have been inconsistent, some studies suggest benefits. Adequate intake of these fatty acids may be especially important for the preterm infant.
authors.affiliation: Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, 1100 Bates Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA. wheird@bcm.tmc.edu
authors.forename: Craig L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Jensen
authors.forename: William C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Heird
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016718:Arachidonic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000502:physiology; D002657:Child Development; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism*; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000502:physiology; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000502:physiology; D005527:Food, Fortified; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food / Q000032:analysis; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000737:chemistry; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D014785:Vision, Ocular
chemical_list: D004041:Dietary Fats; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D016718:Arachidonic Acid