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Huffman SL, Harika RK, Eilander A, Osendarp SJM. Essential fats: how do they affect growth and development of infants and young children in developing countries? A literature review. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2011; 7 Suppl 3:44-65. [PMID: 21929635 PMCID: PMC6860654 DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8709.2011.00356.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are known to play an essential role in the development of the brain and retina. Intakes in pregnancy and early life affect growth and cognitive performance later in childhood. However, total fat intake, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and DHA intakes are often low among pregnant and lactating women, infants and young children in developing countries. As breast milk is one of the best sources of ALA and DHA, breastfed infants are less likely to be at risk of insufficient intakes than those not breastfed. Enhancing intake of ALA through plant food products (soy beans and oil, canola oil, and foods containing these products such as lipid-based nutrient supplements) has been shown to be feasible. However, because of the low conversion rates of ALA to DHA, it may be more efficient to increase DHA status through increasing fish consumption or DHA fortification, but these approaches may be more costly. In addition, breastfeeding up to 2 years and beyond is recommended to ensure an adequate essential fat intake in early life. Data from developing countries have shown that a higher omega-3 fatty acid intake or supplementation during pregnancy may result in small improvements in birthweight, length and gestational age based on two randomized controlled trials and one cross-sectional study. More rigorous randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm this effect. Limited data from developing countries suggest that ALA or DHA supplementation during lactation and in infants may be beneficial for growth and development of young children 6-24 months of age in these settings. These benefits are more pronounced in undernourished children. However, there is no evidence for improvements in growth following omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in children >2 years of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra L Huffman
- Department of Nutrition and Program in International and Community Nutrition, University of California Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA.
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Supplementation of N-3 LCPUFA to the diet of children older than 2 years: a commentary by the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2011; 53:2-10. [PMID: 21694531 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0b013e318216f009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this commentary is to review data on the effect of supplementation of paediatric patients ages 2 years or older with n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA). Some evidence for a positive effect on functional outcome in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was found; however, benefit was seen in only about half of the randomised controlled trials (RCT), and studies varied widely not only in dose and form of supplementation but also in the functional outcome parameter tested. The committee concludes that there are insufficient data to recommend n-3 LCPUFA supplementation in the treatment of children with ADHD, but further research on n-3 LCPUFA supplementation in ADHD may be worthwhile. The committee was unable to find evidence of a favourable effect of n-3 LCPUFA supplementation on cognitive function in children. Although no benefit of n-3 LCPUFA supplementation was seen for major clinical outcome parameters in children with cystic fibrosis, a potentially beneficial shift towards less-inflammatory eicosanoid profiles seen in 2 studies provides grounds for further investigation; it is possible that earlier and longer supplementation periods may be needed to demonstrate clinical effect. For children with phenylketonuria, the limited data available suggest that supplementation of n-3 LCPUFA to the diet is both feasible and safe, but offers only transient benefit in visual function. For children with bronchial asthma there are insufficient data to suggest that LCPUFA supplementation has a beneficial effect. The committee advises paediatricians that most health claims about supplementation of n-3 LCPUFA in various diseases in children and adolescents are not supported by convincing scientific data.
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53
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Sijben JW, Goedhart AC, Kamphuis PJ, Calder PC, Gottrand F, Koletzko B. Is it prudent to add n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids to paediatric enteral tube feeding? Clin Nutr 2011; 30:273-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2010.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2010] [Revised: 11/10/2010] [Accepted: 11/20/2010] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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54
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Lauritzen L, Carlson SE. Maternal fatty acid status during pregnancy and lactation and relation to newborn and infant status. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2011; 7 Suppl 2:41-58. [PMID: 21366866 PMCID: PMC6860497 DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8709.2011.00303.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The present review of determinants of infant fatty acid status was undertaken as part of a conference on 'Fatty acid status in early life in low-income countries: determinants and consequences'. Emphasis is placed on the essential fatty acids, and particularly the physiologically important long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) of 20 and 22 carbons. We are unaware of any studies of determinants of infant fatty acid status in populations with a cultural dietary pattern with low amounts of linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6) and α-linolenic acid (ALA,18:3n-3). Many reports suggest that there may be adverse health effects related to the increased proportion of LA in relation to ALA, which have occurred worldwide due to the increased availability of vegetable oils high in LA. The issue of dietary n-6 to n-3 balance may apply to infant fatty acid status both during fetal and post-natal life; however, this review focuses on the n-3 and n-6 LCPUFA, in particular, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) and arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6), which are the predominant n-3 and n-6 LCPUFA found in cell membranes. The evidence that these fatty acids are preferentially transferred from maternal to fetal circulation across the placenta, and the sources and mechanisms for this transfer, are reviewed. We also address the sources of DHA and AA for the newborn including human milk DHA and AA and the factors that influence maternal DHA status and consequently the amount of DHA available for transfer to the fetus and infant via human milk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte Lauritzen
- Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 30, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
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Best C, Neufingerl N, van Geel L, van den Briel T, Osendarp S. The nutritional status of school-aged children: why should we care? Food Nutr Bull 2010; 31:400-17. [PMID: 20973461 DOI: 10.1177/156482651003100303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The nutritional status of school-aged children impacts their health, cognition, and subsequently their educational achievement. The school is an opportune setting to provide health and nutrition services to disadvantaged children. Yet, school-aged children are not commonly included in health and nutrition surveys. An up-to-date overview of their nutritional status across the world is not available. OBJECTIVE To provide a summary of the recent data on the nutritional status of school-aged children in developing countries and countries in transition and identify issues of public health concern. METHODS A review of literature published from 2002 to 2009 on the nutritional status of children aged 6 to 12 years from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Eastern Mediterranean region was performed. Eligible studies determined the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies or child under- and overnutrition using biochemical markers and internationally accepted growth references. RESULTS A total of 369 studies from 76 different countries were included. The available data indicate that the nutritional status of school-aged children in the reviewed regions is considerably inadequate. Underweight and thinness were most prominent in populations from South-East Asia and Africa, whereas in Latin America the prevalence of underweight or thinness was generally below 10%. More than half of the studies on anemia reported moderate (> 20%) or severe (> 40%) prevalence of anemia. Prevalences of 20% to 30% were commonly reported for deficiencies of iron, iodine, zinc, and vitamin A. The prevalence of overweight was highest in Latin American countries (20% to 35%). In Africa, Asia, and the Eastern Mediterranean, the prevalence of overweight was generally below 15%. CONCLUSIONS The available data indicate that malnutrition is a public health issue in school-aged children in developing countries and countries in transition. However, the available data, especially data on micronutrient status, are limited. These findings emphasize the need for nutrition interventions in school-aged children and more high-quality research to assess nutritional status in this age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cora Best
- United Nations World Food Programme, Rome, Italy.
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Ogunlade AO, Kruger HS, Jerling JC, Smuts CM, Covic N, Hanekom SM, Mamabolo RL, Kvalsvig J. Point-of-use micronutrient fortification: lessons learned in implementing a preschool-based pilot trial in South Africa. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2010; 62:1-16. [DOI: 10.3109/09637486.2010.495710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Thankachan P, Muthayya S, Sierksma A, Eilander A, Thomas T, Duchateau GS, Frenken LGJ, Kurpad AV. Helicobacter pylori infection does not influence the efficacy of iron and vitamin B(12) fortification in marginally nourished Indian children. Eur J Clin Nutr 2010; 64:1101-7. [PMID: 20683455 DOI: 10.1038/ejcn.2010.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Helicobacter pylori infection and iron and vitamin B(12) deficiencies are widespread in economically disadvantaged populations. There is emerging evidence that H. pylori infection has a negative effect on the absorption of these micronutrients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of H. pylori infection on the efficacy of micronutrient (including iron and vitamin B(12))-fortified foods supplied for 1 year in marginally nourished children. SUBJECTS/METHODS In all, 543 Indian children, aged 6-10 years, participated in a double-blind, randomized controlled intervention trial, receiving foods fortified with either high (100% Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA)) or low (15% RDA) amounts of iron, vitamin B(12) and other micronutrients. The presence of H. pylori infection was diagnosed by the (13)C-labeled urea breath test at 11 months after the start of the intervention. Blood hemoglobin, serum ferritin (SF), total body iron and plasma vitamin B(12) were estimated at baseline and 12 months, and differences between these time points were assessed using an independent t-test. RESULTS Overall, the prevalence of H. pylori infection in this group of children was 79%. Baseline hemoglobin, SF, body iron and vitamin B(12) concentrations were not associated with H. pylori infection. The response to the intervention (either high or low amounts of iron and vitamin B(12) fortification) in terms of change in iron markers and vitamin B(12) status did not differ between children with and without H. pylori infection. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that the presence of H. pylori infection did not affect the efficacy of long-term iron and vitamin B(12) fortification in these marginally nourished children.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Thankachan
- Division of Nutrition, St John's Research Institute, St John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India.
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Kennedy DO, Veasey R, Watson A, Dodd F, Jones E, Maggini S, Haskell CF. Effects of high-dose B vitamin complex with vitamin C and minerals on subjective mood and performance in healthy males. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2010. [PMID: 20454891 DOI: 10.1007/s00213–010–1870–3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE A significant proportion of the general population report supplementing their diet with one or more vitamins or minerals, with common reasons for doing so being to combat stress and fatigue and to improve mental functioning. Few studies have assessed the relationship between supplementation with vitamins/minerals and psychological functioning in healthy cohorts of non-elderly adults. OBJECTIVES The present randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel groups trial assessed the cognitive and mood effects of a high-dose B-complex vitamin and mineral supplement (Berocca(R)) in 215 males aged 30 to 55 years, who were in full-time employment. METHODS Participants attended the laboratory prior to and on the last day of a 33-day treatment period where they completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Cognitive performance and task-related modulation of mood/fatigue were assessed with the 60 min cognitive demand battery. On the final day, participants also completed the Stroop task for 40 min whilst engaged in inclined treadmill walking and subsequent executive function was assessed. RESULTS Vitamin/mineral supplementation led to significant improvements in ratings on the PSS, GHQ-12 and the 'vigour' subscale of the POMS. The vitamin/mineral group also performed better on the Serial 3s subtractions task and rated themselves as less 'mentally tired' both pre- and post-completion of the cognitive demand battery. CONCLUSIONS Healthy members of the general population may benefit from augmented levels of vitamins/minerals via direct dietary supplementation. Specifically, supplementation led to improved ratings of stress, mental health and vigour and improved cognitive performance during intense mental processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- David O Kennedy
- Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
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59
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Ryan AS, Astwood JD, Gautier S, Kuratko CN, Nelson EB, Salem N. Effects of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on neurodevelopment in childhood: a review of human studies. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2010; 82:305-14. [PMID: 20188533 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2010.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Omega-3 and omega-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) are critical for infant and childhood brain development, but levels of the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are often low in the Western diet. Increasing evidence from both epidemiological and intervention studies, reviewed here, indicates that DHA supplementation, during pregnancy, lactation, or childhood plays an important role in childhood neurodevelopment. Arachidonic acid (ARA) is also important for infant growth and development. Several studies have demonstrated positive associations between blood DHA levels and improvements on tests of cognitive and visual function in healthy children. Controlled trials also have shown that supplementation with DHA and EPA may help in the management of childhood psychiatric disorders, and improve visual and motor functions in children with phenylketonuria. In all studies, DHA and EPA supplementation is typically well tolerated. Further research is needed to determine optimal doses for efficacy at different developmental ages. The potential long-term benefits of early LCPUFA supplementation also require consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan S Ryan
- Martek Biosciences Corporation, Columbia, MD 21045, USA.
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60
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Kennedy DO, Veasey R, Watson A, Dodd F, Jones E, Maggini S, Haskell CF. Effects of high-dose B vitamin complex with vitamin C and minerals on subjective mood and performance in healthy males. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2010; 211:55-68. [PMID: 20454891 PMCID: PMC2885294 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-010-1870-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2009] [Accepted: 04/16/2010] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE A significant proportion of the general population report supplementing their diet with one or more vitamins or minerals, with common reasons for doing so being to combat stress and fatigue and to improve mental functioning. Few studies have assessed the relationship between supplementation with vitamins/minerals and psychological functioning in healthy cohorts of non-elderly adults. OBJECTIVES The present randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel groups trial assessed the cognitive and mood effects of a high-dose B-complex vitamin and mineral supplement (Berocca(R)) in 215 males aged 30 to 55 years, who were in full-time employment. METHODS Participants attended the laboratory prior to and on the last day of a 33-day treatment period where they completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Cognitive performance and task-related modulation of mood/fatigue were assessed with the 60 min cognitive demand battery. On the final day, participants also completed the Stroop task for 40 min whilst engaged in inclined treadmill walking and subsequent executive function was assessed. RESULTS Vitamin/mineral supplementation led to significant improvements in ratings on the PSS, GHQ-12 and the 'vigour' subscale of the POMS. The vitamin/mineral group also performed better on the Serial 3s subtractions task and rated themselves as less 'mentally tired' both pre- and post-completion of the cognitive demand battery. CONCLUSIONS Healthy members of the general population may benefit from augmented levels of vitamins/minerals via direct dietary supplementation. Specifically, supplementation led to improved ratings of stress, mental health and vigour and improved cognitive performance during intense mental processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- David O. Kennedy
- Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST UK
| | - Rachel Veasey
- Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST UK
| | - Anthony Watson
- Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST UK
| | - Fiona Dodd
- Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST UK
| | - Emma Jones
- Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST UK
| | | | - Crystal F. Haskell
- Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST UK
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Undernutrition, fatty acid and micronutrient status in relation to cognitive performance in Indian school children: a cross-sectional study. Br J Nutr 2009; 103:1056-64. [PMID: 20003612 DOI: 10.1017/s000711450999273x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
While undernutrition and anaemia have previously been linked to poor development of children, relatively little is known about the role of B-vitamins and fatty acids on cognition. The present study aims to explore the associations between indicators of body size, fatty acid and micronutrient status on cognitive performance in 598 Indian school children aged 6-10 years. Baseline data of a clinical study were used to assess these associations by analyses of variance adjusting for age, sex, school, maternal education and cognitive tester. The Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children II was used to measure four cognitive domains, including fluid reasoning, short-term memory, retrieval ability and cognitive speediness. Scores were combined into an overall measure, named mental processing index (MPI). Body size indicators and Hb concentrations were significantly positively related to cognitive domains and MPI, such that increases of 1 sd in height-for-age and weight-for-age z-scores would each translate into a 0.09 sd increase in MPI, P = 0.0006 and 0.002, respectively. A 10 g/l increase in Hb concentrations would translate into a 0.08 sd increase in MPI, P = 0.0008. Log-transformed vitamin B12 concentrations were significantly inversely associated with short-term memory, retrieval ability and MPI (beta (95 % CI) = - 0.124 (- 0.224, - 0.023), P = 0.02). Other indicators of Fe, iodine, folate and fatty acid status were not significantly related to cognition. Our findings for body size, fatty acids and micronutrients were in agreement with previous observational studies. The inverse association of vitamin B12 with mental development was unexpected and needed further study.
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