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Wimalasena ST, Ramírez-Silva CI, Gonzalez Casanova I, Stein AD, Sun YV, Rivera JA, Demmelmair H, Koletzko B, Ramakrishnan U. Effects of prenatal docosahexaenoic acid supplementation on offspring cardiometabolic health at 11 years differs by maternal single nucleotide polymorphism rs174602: follow-up of a randomized controlled trial in Mexico. Am J Clin Nutr 2023; 118:1123-1132. [PMID: 37839707 PMCID: PMC10797513 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited evidence regarding long-term effects of prenatal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation on offspring cardiometabolic health (CMH). Inconsistent results may be attributable to variants of fatty acid desaturase (FADS) genes. OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate the effect of prenatal DHA supplementation on offspring CMH and investigate effect modification by maternal FADS2 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs174602. METHODS We used follow-up data from a double-blind, randomized controlled trial in Mexico in which pregnant females received 400 mg/d of algal DHA or placebo from midgestation until delivery. The study sample included 314 offspring with data at age 11 y and maternal FADS genetic data (DHA: n = 160; Placebo: n = 154). We derived a Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) score from body mass index, HDL, triglycerides, fasting glucose concentrations, and systolic blood pressure. Generalized linear models were used to evaluate the effect of the intervention on offspring MetS score and test interactions between treatment group and genotype, adjusting for maternal, offspring, and household factors. RESULTS Offspring MetS score did not differ significantly by treatment group. We observed evidence of effect modification by maternal SNP rs174602 (P = 0.001); offspring of maternal TT genotype who received DHA had lower MetS score relative to the placebo group (DHA (mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM)): -0.21 ± 0.11, n = 21; Placebo: 0.05 ± 0.11, n = 23; Δ= -0.26 (95% CI: -0.55, 0.04), P = 0.09); among CC maternal genotype carriers, offspring of mothers who received DHA had higher MetS score (0.18 ± 0.06, n = 62) relative to the placebo group (-0.05 ± 0.06, n = 65, Δ=0.24 (0.06, 0.41), P < 0.01). CONCLUSION The effect of prenatal DHA supplementation on offspring MetS score differed by maternal FADS SNP rs174602. These findings further support incorporating genetic analysis of FADS polymorphisms in DHA supplementation trials. CLINICAL TRIAL DETAILS This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00646360.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Tandon Wimalasena
- Doctoral Program in Nutrition and Health Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | | | - Aryeh D Stein
- Doctoral Program in Nutrition and Health Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Yan V Sun
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Juan A Rivera
- National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Hans Demmelmair
- LMU-Ludwig Maximilians Universität, Department of Pediatrics, LMU University Hospitals, Munich, Germany
| | - Berthold Koletzko
- LMU-Ludwig Maximilians Universität, Department of Pediatrics, LMU University Hospitals, Munich, Germany
| | - Usha Ramakrishnan
- Doctoral Program in Nutrition and Health Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.
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Maternal Docosahexaenoic Acid Exposure Needed to Achieve Maternal-Newborn EQ. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14163300. [PMID: 36014806 PMCID: PMC9412712 DOI: 10.3390/nu14163300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Achieving maternal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) status equal to or greater than the infant's DHA status at delivery is known as maternal-newborn DHA equilibrium (EQ) and is thought to be important for optimizing newborn DHA status throughout infancy. The objective of this study was to determine the daily DHA intake during pregnancy most likely to result in EQ. The participants (n = 1145) were from two randomized control trials of DHA supplementation in pregnancy. DHA intake was estimated using an abbreviated food frequency questionnaire. Total DHA exposure during pregnancy was calculated as a weighted average of the estimated DHA intake throughout pregnancy and the randomized DHA dose (200, 800, 1000 mg). Red blood cell DHA was measured from maternal and cord blood plasma at delivery and EQ status was calculated. The DHA intake required to achieve EQ was estimated by regression. In terms of DHA exposure, the point estimate and 95% confidence interval to achieve EQ was 643 (583, 735) mg of DHA/day. The results of our trial suggest an intake of 650 mg of DHA/day is necessary to increase the potential for EQ at delivery. The clinical benefits of achieving EQ deserves continued study.
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Liao J, Xiong Q, Yin Y, Ling Z, Chen S. The Effects of Fish Oil on Cardiovascular Diseases: Systematical Evaluation and Recent Advance. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 8:802306. [PMID: 35071366 PMCID: PMC8767101 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.802306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Fish oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, i.e., eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), both of which are widely distributed in the body such as heart and brain. In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that unsaturated fatty acids may have effects of anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, protecting vascular endothelial cells, thrombosis inhibition, modifying autonomic nerve function, improving left ventricular remodeling, and regulating blood lipid. Given the relevance to public health, there has been increasing interest in the research of potential cardioprotective effects of fish oil. Accumulated evidence showed that fish oil supplementation may reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, and, in specific, it may have potential benefits in improving the prognosis of patients with hypertension, coronary heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias, or heart failure; however, some studies yielded inconsistent results. In this article, we performed an updated systematical review in order to provide a contemporary understanding with regard to the effects of fish oil on cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Liao
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (CQMU), Chongqing, China
| | - Qingsong Xiong
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (CQMU), Chongqing, China
| | - Yuehui Yin
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (CQMU), Chongqing, China
| | - Zhiyu Ling
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (CQMU), Chongqing, China
| | - Shaojie Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (CQMU), Chongqing, China.,Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien (CCB)/Kardiologie, Medizinische Klinik III, Agaplesion Markus Krankenhaus, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Kalache A, Bazinet RP, Carlson S, Evans WJ, Kim CH, Lanham-New S, Visioli F, Griffiths JC. Science-based policy: targeted nutrition for all ages and the role of bioactives. Eur J Nutr 2021; 60:1-17. [PMID: 34427766 PMCID: PMC8383919 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-021-02662-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Globally, there has been a marked increase in longevity, but it is also apparent that significant inequalities remain, especially the inequality related to insufficient 'health' to enjoy or at least survive those later years. The major causes include lack of access to proper nutrition and healthcare services, and often the basic information to make the personal decisions related to diet and healthcare options and opportunities. Proper nutrition can be the best predictor of a long healthy life expectancy and, conversely, when inadequate and/or improper a prognosticator of a sharply curtailed expectancy. There is a dichotomy in both developed and developing countries as their populations are experiencing the phenomenon of being 'over fed and under nourished', i.e., caloric/energy excess and lack of essential nutrients, leading to health deficiencies, skyrocketing global obesity rates, excess chronic diseases, and premature mortality. There is need for new and/or innovative approaches to promoting health as individuals' age, and for public health programs to be a proactive blessing and not an archaic status quo 'eat your vegetables' mandate. A framework for progress has been proposed and published by the World Health Organization in their Global Strategy and Action Plan on Ageing and Health (WHO (2017) Advancing the right to health: the vital role of law. https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/252815/9789241511384-eng.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y . Accessed 07 Jun 2021; WHO (2020a) What is Health Promotion. www.who.int/healthpromotion/fact-sheet/en/ . Accessed 07 Jun 2021; WHO (2020b) NCD mortality and morbidity. www.who.int/gho/ncd/mortality_morbidity/en/ . Accessed 07 Jun 2021). Couple this WHO mandate with current academic research into the processes of ageing, and the ingredients or regimens that have shown benefit and/or promise of such benefits. Now is the time for public health policy to 'not let the perfect be the enemy of the good,' but to progressively make health-promoting nutrition recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Kalache
- International Longevity Centre-Brazil, Rio de Janiero, Brazil
- Age Friendly Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard P Bazinet
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Susan Carlson
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - William J Evans
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Chi Hee Kim
- Global Government Affairs, Herbalife Nutrition, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Susan Lanham-New
- Nutritional Sciences Department, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Francesco Visioli
- Department of Molecular Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- IMDEA-Food, Madrid, Spain
| | - James C Griffiths
- Council for Responsible Nutrition-International, Washington, DC, USA.
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Conway MC, McSorley EM, Mulhern MS, Strain JJ, van Wijngaarden E, Yeates AJ. Influence of fatty acid desaturase (FADS) genotype on maternal and child polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) status and child health outcomes: a systematic review. Nutr Rev 2020; 78:627-646. [PMID: 31943072 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuz086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are important during pregnancy for fetal development and child health outcomes. The fatty acid desaturase (FADS) genes also influence PUFA status, with the FADS genes controlling how much product (eg, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid) is metabolized from the precursor molecules linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid. OBJECTIVE The current review discusses the influence of FADS genotype on PUFA status of pregnant women, breast milk, and children, and also how FADS may influence child health outcomes. DATA SOURCES The Ovid Medline, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL Plus, PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched from their inception to September 2018. DATA EXTRACTION Eligible studies reported FADS genotype and blood concentrations of PUFA during pregnancy, in childhood, breast milk concentrations of PUFA or child health outcomes. DATA ANALYSIS In pregnant and lactating women, minor allele carriers have higher concentrations of linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid, and lower concentrations of arachidonic acid, in blood and breast milk, respectively. In children, FADS genotype influences PUFA status in the same manner and may impact child outcomes such as cognition and allergies; however, the direction of effects for the evidence to date is not consistent. CONCLUSION Further studies are needed to further investigate associations between FADS and outcomes, as well as the diet-gene interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie C Conway
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland. E. van Wijngaarden is with the School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Emeir M McSorley
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland. E. van Wijngaarden is with the School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Maria S Mulhern
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland. E. van Wijngaarden is with the School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - J J Strain
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland. E. van Wijngaarden is with the School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Edwin van Wijngaarden
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland. E. van Wijngaarden is with the School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Alison J Yeates
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland. E. van Wijngaarden is with the School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
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He S, Stein AD. Early-Life Nutrition Interventions and Associated Long-Term Cardiometabolic Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Adv Nutr 2020; 12:461-489. [PMID: 33786595 PMCID: PMC8009753 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmaa107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Early-life nutrition interventions can have lifelong cardiometabolic benefits. Most evidence on this topic is derived from observational studies. We evaluated the association of randomized controlled nutritional trials in early life and long-term cardiometabolic outcomes. Through literature search of PubMed, CABI Global Health, Embase, and Cochrane, with manual reference check and weekly alert from PubMed, we identified 8312 records, and included 53 records from 40 cohorts in 21 countries. The total number of participants was 33,551. Interventions were initiated as early as conception, and the longest until 7 y (except 1 study from infancy to 20 y). The cohorts were followed up for between 3 and 73 y. We identified 7 types of interventions (protein-energy supplements, long-chain PUFAs, single micronutrient, multiple micronutrients, infant and young child feeding, dietary counseling, and other) and 4 categories of cardiometabolic outcomes (biomarkers, cardiovascular, body size and composition, and subclinical/clinical outcomes). Most findings were null. Fasting glucose concentration was 0.04 mmol/L lower (95% CI: -0.05, -0.02 mmol/L; I2 = 0%) in the intervention groups than in the control groups (15 studies). BMI (kg/m2) was 0.20 higher (95% CI: 0.12, 0.28; I2 = 54%) in the intervention groups than control groups (14 studies). No significant effect was observed for total cholesterol (12 studies) or blood pressure (17 studies). Ongoing and personalized dietary counseling was associated with lower glucose and cholesterol, better endothelial function, and reduced risk of metabolic syndrome. The timing of intervention mattered, with earlier initiation conferring greater benefit (improved lipid profile and marginally lower glucose concentration) based on 2 studies. In sum, glucose concentration was lower following early-life nutrition interventions, but there is a risk of unintended consequences, including higher BMI. Maternal and child nutrition interventions must be evidence-based and tailored to each population to promote long-term cardiometabolic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siran He
- Nutrition and Health Sciences Program, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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7
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van Rossem L, Smit HA, Armand M, Bernard JY, Bisgaard H, Bønnelykke K, Bruun S, Heude B, Husby S, Kyhl HB, Michaelsen KF, Stark KD, Thijs C, Vinding RK, Wijga AH, Lauritzen L. Breast milk n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and blood pressure: an individual participant meta-analysis. Eur J Nutr 2020; 60:989-998. [PMID: 32564149 PMCID: PMC7900030 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-020-02310-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Purpose It is controversial whether a higher intake of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC PUFA) through breastfeeding is associated or not to a lower blood pressure (BP) during childhood. We aimed to clarify this point by undertaking a meta-analysis involving the data from seven European birth cohorts. Methods We searched https://www.birthcohort.net for studies that had collected breast milk samples, and had at least one BP measurement in childhood. Principal investigators were contacted, and all agreed to share data. One additional study was identified by contacts with the principal investigators. For each cohort, we analyzed the association of breast milk n-3 LC PUFAs with systolic and diastolic BP with linear mixed effects models or linear regression, and pooled the estimates with a random effects model. We also investigated age-specific and sex-specific associations. Results A total of 2188 participants from 7 cohorts were included. Overall, no associations between breast milk n-3 LC PUFAs and BP were observed. In the pooled analysis, each 0.1 wt% increment in breast milk docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was associated with a 1.19 (95% CI − 3.31, 0.94) mmHg lower systolic BP. Associations were similar for boys and girls and at different ages. Conclusion In this individual participant meta-analysis, we found no evidence for an association between breast milk n-3 LC PUFAs and BP. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00394-020-02310-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenie van Rossem
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Henriette A Smit
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jonathan Y Bernard
- Université de Paris, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), INSERM, INRA, 75004, Paris, France
| | - Hans Bisgaard
- COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Klaus Bønnelykke
- COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Signe Bruun
- Strategic Business Unit Pediatric, Arla Foods Ingredients Group P/S, Viby J, Denmark.,Hans Christian Andersen Children's Hospital, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,OPEN, Odense Patient Data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Barbara Heude
- Université de Paris, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), INSERM, INRA, 75004, Paris, France
| | - Steffen Husby
- Hans Christian Andersen Children's Hospital, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,OPEN, Odense Patient Data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Henriette B Kyhl
- Hans Christian Andersen Children's Hospital, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,OPEN, Odense Patient Data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Kim F Michaelsen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ken D Stark
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Carel Thijs
- Department of Epidemiology, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rebecca K Vinding
- COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alet H Wijga
- Center for Nutrition, Prevention, and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Lotte Lauritzen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Colombo J, Gustafson KM, Carlson SE. Critical and Sensitive Periods in Development and Nutrition. ANNALS OF NUTRITION AND METABOLISM 2020; 75 Suppl 1:34-42. [PMID: 32554960 DOI: 10.1159/000508053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Critical or sensitive periods in the life of an organism during which certain experiences or conditions may exert disproportionate influence (either for harm or benefit) on long-term developmental outcomes have been the subject of investigation for over a century. This chapter reviews research in the context of the development of social preferences and sensory systems, with a summary of the criteria for defining such a period and the evidence necessary to establish its existence. The notion of nutritional programming, central to the Barker/Developmental Origins hypotheses of health and disease, represents a variant of the critical/sensitive period concept. It is implicit in these hypotheses that the fetal period is a time during which metabolic and physiological systems are malleable and thus susceptible to either insult or enhancement by nutrient intake. Evidence for critical/sensitive periods or nutritional programming requires a systematic manipulation of the age at which nutritional conditions or supplements are implemented. While common in research using animal models, the approach is difficult to establish in epidemiological studies and virtually nonexistent in human clinical trials. Future work seeking to establish definitive evidence for critical/sensitive periods or programming may be advanced by harmonized outcome measures in experimental trials across which the timing, duration, and dose of nutrients is varied.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Colombo
- Department of Psychology and Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA,
| | - Kathleen M Gustafson
- Hoglund Brain Imaging Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Susan E Carlson
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Pregnancy-The Case for a Target Omega-3 Index. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12040898. [PMID: 32224878 PMCID: PMC7230742 DOI: 10.3390/nu12040898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Scientific societies recommend increasing intake of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by 200 mg/day during pregnancy. However, individually, clinical events correlate quite strongly with levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA in blood, but these levels poorly correlate with amounts ingested. EPA and DHA in erythrocytes (Omega-3 Index) have a low biologic variability. If analyzed with a standardized analytical procedure (HS-Omega-3 Index®), analytical variability is low. Thus, the largest database of any fatty acid analytical method was provided. Pregnant women in Germany had a mean Omega-3 Index below the target range suggested for cardiovascular disease of 8–11%, with large interindividual variation, and quite independent of supplementation with EPA and DHA. In Germany, premature birth is a major health issue. Premature birth and other health issues of pregnant women and their offspring correlate with levels of EPA and DHA in blood and can be reduced by increasing intake of EPA and DHA, according to individual trials and pertinent meta-analyses. Very high intake or levels of EPA and DHA may also produce health issues, like bleeding, prolonged gestation, or even premature birth. While direct evidence remains to be generated, evidence from various scientific approaches supports that the target range for the Omega-3 Index of 8–11% might also pertain to pregnancy and lactation.
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