title: Influence of omega-3 fatty acids from the flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) on the brain development of newborn rats.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The importance of essential fatty acids, in particular the omega-3 family, in the central nervous system development of newborns is well documented. The flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) is considered one of the best vegetable sources of omega-3 fatty acids. The influence of omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed on the brain development of newborn rats was evaluated.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pups of the F1 generation were obtained from 18 female Wistar rats divided in 3 groups (n=6), FG: fed with diet based on Flaxseed added with casein, CG: Casein, and MCG: Modified Casein supplemented with fibers and soybean oil. Newborn pups were weighted and submitted to euthanasia; brains were collected for evaluation of weight and lipid profile through gaseous chromatography.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant increase in brain weight (39%) and relative brain weight (37%) was verified in pups from mothers fed with flaxseed diet. The omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids from the flaxseed were found in abundance in the diet made with this oleaginous and also significant increase in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (38%), as well as in total of omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids (62%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Maternal diet of flaxseed during pregnancy influences the incorporation of omega-3 fatty acid in the composition of brain tissue, assuring a good development of this organ in newborn rats.
authors.affiliation: Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Department of Nutrition and Dietary, RJ, Brazil. calvilenzi@gmail.com
authors.forename: K C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Lenzi Almeida
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Teles Boaventura
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Guzmán Silva
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development*; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000187:drug effects; D004032:Diet; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000032:analysis; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D019597:Flax / Q000737:chemistry*; D050356:Lipid Metabolism / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D012639:Seeds / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D005227:Fatty Acids; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3