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Sherzai D, Moness R, Sherzai S, Sherzai A. A Systematic Review of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Consumption and Cognitive Outcomes in Neurodevelopment. Am J Lifestyle Med 2023; 17:649-685. [PMID: 37711355 PMCID: PMC10498982 DOI: 10.1177/15598276221116052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This systematic review addresses the effects of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids consumption on human neurodevelopment. It evaluates articles published between 2000 and 2022 investigating the cognitive outcomes during the period of neurodevelopment: from fetal development to adolescence. For the purpose of this review the terms LC PUFA and omega-3 fatty acid will be used interchangeably. METHOD Data were sourced from several major databases including PubMed (MEDLINE), Web of Science, and ProQuest Central. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), nonrandomized controlled trials, prospective or retrospective cohort studies, and observational studies investigating the effects of omega-3 fatty acid consumption from dietary supplements, multiple-nutrient supplement, or food questionnaire on neurodevelopment were considered. Study population was separated in three developmental phases: (1) in-utero, (2) lactation/infancy, and (3) childhood/adolescence. Each article was evaluated for several key factors such as study type, type/dosage of PUFAs, number of subjects, length of intervention, participant age range, population characteristics, outcome measure (both primary/cognitive and secondary/other), results, conclusion, and confounding variables/limitations. RESULTS A total of 88 articles were included in the review, 69 RCTs and 19 longitudinal or observational studies. The results indicate equivocal effect of intervention, with some short-term benefits observed in the areas of visual attention, working memory, executive function, and communication. Omega-3 supplement might have a short-term positive impact on neurodevelopment in all three phases. Supplementation is recommended throughout life, rather than only during the earliest developmental stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean Sherzai
- Dept of Neurology, Brain Health and Alzheimer's Prevention Program, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA (AS, DS); Oak Ridge High School, El Dorado Hills, CA, USA (RM); California State University, Los Angeles, CA, USA (SS)
| | - Roman Moness
- Dept of Neurology, Brain Health and Alzheimer's Prevention Program, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA (AS, DS); Oak Ridge High School, El Dorado Hills, CA, USA (RM); California State University, Los Angeles, CA, USA (SS)
| | - Sophia Sherzai
- Dept of Neurology, Brain Health and Alzheimer's Prevention Program, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA (AS, DS); Oak Ridge High School, El Dorado Hills, CA, USA (RM); California State University, Los Angeles, CA, USA (SS)
| | - Ayesha Sherzai
- Dept of Neurology, Brain Health and Alzheimer's Prevention Program, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA (AS, DS); Oak Ridge High School, El Dorado Hills, CA, USA (RM); California State University, Los Angeles, CA, USA (SS)
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Cardino VN, Goeden T, Yakah W, Ezeamama AE, Fenton JI. New Perspectives on the Associations between Blood Fatty Acids, Growth Parameters, and Cognitive Development in Global Child Populations. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15081933. [PMID: 37111152 PMCID: PMC10143140 DOI: 10.3390/nu15081933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Malnutrition is prevalent in low-middle-income countries (LMICs), but it is usually clinically diagnosed through abnormal anthropometric parameters characteristic of protein energy malnutrition (PEM). In doing so, other contributors or byproducts of malnutrition, notably essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD), are overlooked. Previous research performed mainly in high-income countries (HICs) shows that deficiencies in essential fatty acids (EFAs) and their n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) byproducts (also known as highly unsaturated fatty acids or HUFAs) lead to both abnormal linear growth and impaired cognitive development. These adverse developmental outcomes remain an important public health issue in LMICs. To identify EFAD before severe malnutrition develops, clinicians should perform blood fatty acid panels to measure levels of fatty acids associated with EFAD, notably Mead acid and HUFAs. This review demonstrates the importance of measuring endogenous fatty acid levels for measuring fatty acid intake in various child populations in LMICs. Featured topics include a comparison of fatty acid levels between global child populations, the relationships between growth and cognition and PUFAs and the possible mechanisms driving these relationships, and the potential importance of EFAD and HUFA scores as biomarkers of overall health and normal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa N Cardino
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Travis Goeden
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - William Yakah
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Amara E Ezeamama
- Department of Psychiatry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Jenifer I Fenton
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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3
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Dighriri IM, Alsubaie AM, Hakami FM, Hamithi DM, Alshekh MM, Khobrani FA, Dalak FE, Hakami AA, Alsueaadi EH, Alsaawi LS, Alshammari SF, Alqahtani AS, Alawi IA, Aljuaid AA, Tawhari MQ. Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Brain Functions: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2022; 14:e30091. [DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Basak S, Mallick R, Banerjee A, Pathak S, Duttaroy AK. Maternal Supply of Both Arachidonic and Docosahexaenoic Acids Is Required for Optimal Neurodevelopment. Nutrients 2021; 13:2061. [PMID: 34208549 PMCID: PMC8234848 DOI: 10.3390/nu13062061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last trimester of gestation and for the first 18 months after birth, both docosahexaenoic acid,22:6n-3 (DHA) and arachidonic acid,20:4n-6 (ARA) are preferentially deposited within the cerebral cortex at a rapid rate. Although the structural and functional roles of DHA in brain development are well investigated, similar roles of ARA are not well documented. The mode of action of these two fatty acids and their derivatives at different structural-functional roles and their levels in the gene expression and signaling pathways of the brain have been continuously emanating. In addition to DHA, the importance of ARA has been much discussed in recent years for fetal and postnatal brain development and the maternal supply of ARA and DHA. These fatty acids are also involved in various brain developmental processes; however, their mechanistic cross talks are not clearly known yet. This review describes the importance of ARA, in addition to DHA, in supporting the optimal brain development and growth and functional roles in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Basak
- Molecular Biology Division, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Indian Council of Medical Research, Hyderabad 500 007, India;
| | - Rahul Mallick
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland;
| | - Antara Banerjee
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603 103, India; (A.B.); (S.P.)
| | - Surajit Pathak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603 103, India; (A.B.); (S.P.)
| | - Asim K. Duttaroy
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0317 Oslo, Norway
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5
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Omega-3 and its domain-specific effects on cognitive test performance in youths: A meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 112:420-436. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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6
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Rangel-Huerta OD, Gil A. Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on cognition: an updated systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Nutr Rev 2019; 76:1-20. [PMID: 29240924 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nux064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Context The increasing number of studies on the effects of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) on health, particularly cognition, in the last 5 years reflects the growing interest in this area of research. Objective The aim for this systematic review was to evaluate the scientific evidence published in the last 5 years (2012-2017) on the effects of n-3 LC-PUFA intake on cognition, cognitive development, and cognitive decline to determine whether n-3 LC-PUFAs support cognitive development and prevent cognitive decline. Data Sources The PubMed database was searched. Study Selection The 51 articles included in this systematic review reported on healthy individuals with mild or moderate cognitive impairment and patients with Alzheimer's disease. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane methodology. Data Extraction The number of study participants, the type of study, the type and dose of n-3 LC-PUFAs, and the key results are reported here. Results Current evidence indicates that n-3 LC-PUFAs administered during pregnancy or breastfeeding have no effect on the skills or cognitive development of children in later stages of development. Evidence regarding the improvement of cognitive function during childhood and youth or in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is inconclusive. Moreover, it is still unclear if n-3 LC-PUFAs can improve cognitive development or prevent cognitive decline in young or older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar D Rangel-Huerta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Angel Gil
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de la Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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7
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Garden FL, Toelle BG, Mihrshahi S, Webb KL, Almqvist C, Tovey ER, Brew BK, Ayer JG, Skilton MR, Jones G, Ferreira MAR, Cowie CT, Weber-Chrysochoou C, Britton WJ, Celermajer DS, Leeder SR, Peat JK, Marks GB. Cohort profile: The Childhood Asthma Prevention Study (CAPS). Int J Epidemiol 2019; 47:1736-1736k. [PMID: 29800224 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyy078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Frances L Garden
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Brett G Toelle
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Seema Mihrshahi
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karen L Webb
- Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Catarina Almqvist
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Pediatric Allergy and Pulmonology Unit at Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Euan R Tovey
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bronwyn K Brew
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julian G Ayer
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Heart Centre for Children, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael R Skilton
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Boden Institute of Obesity, Nutrition, Exercise and Eating Disorders, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Graham Jones
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Christine T Cowie
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Warwick J Britton
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Mycobacterial Research Program, Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David S Celermajer
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Cardiology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen R Leeder
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jennifer K Peat
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Guy B Marks
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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8
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Bernstein AS, Oken E, de Ferranti S. Fish, Shellfish, and Children's Health: An Assessment of Benefits, Risks, and Sustainability. Pediatrics 2019; 143:e20190999. [PMID: 31110165 PMCID: PMC6864235 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2019-0999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
American children eat relatively little fish and shellfish in comparison with other sources of animal protein, despite the health benefits that eating fish and shellfish may confer. At the same time, fish and shellfish may be sources of toxicants. This report serves to inform pediatricians about available research that elucidates health risks and benefits associated with fish and shellfish consumption in childhood as well as the sustainability of fish and shellfish harvests.
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9
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House JS, Mendez M, Maguire RL, Gonzalez-Nahm S, Huang Z, Daniels J, Murphy SK, Fuemmeler BF, Wright FA, Hoyo C. Periconceptional Maternal Mediterranean Diet Is Associated With Favorable Offspring Behaviors and Altered CpG Methylation of Imprinted Genes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:107. [PMID: 30246009 PMCID: PMC6137242 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Maternal diet during pregnancy has been shown to influence the child neuro-developmental outcomes. Studies examining effects of dietary patterns on offspring behavior are sparse. Objective: Determine if maternal adherence to a Mediterranean diet is associated with child behavioral outcomes assessed early in life, and to evaluate the role of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) regulating genomically imprinted genes in these associations. Methods: Among 325 mother/infant pairs, we used regression models to evaluate the association between tertiles of maternal periconceptional Mediterranean diet adherence (MDA) scores derived from a Food Frequency Questionnaire, and social and emotional scores derived from the Infant Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (ITSEA) questionnaire in the second year of life. Methylation of nine genomically imprinted genes was measured to determine if MDA was associated with CpG methylation. Results: Child depression was inversely associated with maternal MDA (Bonferroni-corrected p = 0.041). While controlling for false-discovery, compared to offspring of women with the lowest MDA tertile, those with MDA scores in middle and high MDA tertiles had decreased odds for atypical behaviors [OR (95% CI) = 0.40 (0.20, 0.78) for middle and 0.40 (0.17, 0.92) for highest tertile], for maladaptive behaviors [0.37 (0.18, 0.72) for middle tertile and 0.42 (0.18, 0.95) for highest tertile] and for an index of autism spectrum disorder behaviors [0.46 (0.23, 0.90) for middle and 0.35 (0.15, 0.80) for highest tertile]. Offspring of women with the highest MDA tertile were less likely to exhibit depressive [OR = 0.28 (0.12, 0.64)] and anxiety [0.42 (0.18, 0.97)] behaviors and increased odds of social relatedness [2.31 (1.04, 5.19)] behaviors when compared to low MDA mothers. Some associations varied by sex. Perinatal MDA score was associated with methylation differences for imprinted control regions of PEG10/SGCE [females: Beta (95% CI) = 1.66 (0.52, 2.80) - Bonferroni-corrected p = 0.048; males: -0.56 (-1.13, -0.00)], as well as both MEG3 and IGF2 in males [0.97 (0.00, 1.94)] and -0.92 (-1.65, -0.19) respectively. Conclusion: In this ethnically diverse cohort, maternal adherence to a Mediterranean diet in early pregnancy was associated with favorable neurobehavioral outcomes in early childhood and with sex-dependent methylation differences of MEG3, IGF2, and SGCE/PEG10 DMRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- John S House
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.,Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Michelle Mendez
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Rachel L Maguire
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.,Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Sarah Gonzalez-Nahm
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Zhiqing Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Julie Daniels
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Susan K Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Bernard F Fuemmeler
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Fred A Wright
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.,Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.,Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.,Department of Statistics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Cathrine Hoyo
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.,Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
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10
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Derbyshire E. Brain Health across the Lifespan: A Systematic Review on the Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements. Nutrients 2018; 10:E1094. [PMID: 30111738 PMCID: PMC6116096 DOI: 10.3390/nu10081094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain is the most significant and complex organ of the human body. Increasingly, we are becoming aware that certain nutrients may help to safeguard brain health. An expanse of research has investigated the effects of omega fatty acids in relation to brain health but effects across the lifespan have not been widely evaluated. The present systematic review collated evidence from 25 randomized controlled trials (n = 3633) published since 2013. Compared with control groups, omega-3 supplementation generally correlated with improvements in blood biomarkers. Subsequently, these appear to benefit those with lower baseline fatty acid levels, who are breastfeeding or who have neuropsychiatric conditions. Whilst multiple studies indicate that omega fatty acids can protect against neurodegeneration in older adults, more work is needed in the years preceding the diagnosis of such medical conditions. Bearing in mind the scale of ageing populations and rising healthcare costs linked to poor brain health, omega supplementation could be a useful strategy for helping to augment dietary intakes and support brain health across the lifespan. Ongoing research is now needed using harmonious methodologies, supplement dosages, ratios and intervention periods to help formulate congruent conclusions.
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Ghasemi Fard S, Wang F, Sinclair AJ, Elliott G, Turchini GM. How does high DHA fish oil affect health? A systematic review of evidence. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2018; 59:1684-1727. [PMID: 29494205 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2018.1425978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The health benefits of fish oil, and its omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid content, have attracted much scientific attention in the last four decades. Fish oils that contain higher amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) than docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3), in a distinctive ratio of 18/12, are typically the most abundantly available and are commonly studied. Although the two fatty acids have traditionally been considered together, as though they were one entity, different physiological effects of EPA and DHA have recently been reported. New oils containing a higher quantity of DHA compared with EPA, such as fractionated and concentrated fish oil, tuna oil, calamari oil and microalgae oil, are increasingly becoming available on the market, and other oils, including those extracted from genetically modified oilseed crops, soon to come. This systematic review focuses on the effects of high DHA fish oils on various human health conditions, such as the heart and cardiovascular system, the brain and visual function, inflammation and immune function and growth/Body Mass Index. Although inconclusive results were reported in several instances, and inconsistent outcomes observed in others, current data provides substantiated evidence in support of DHA being a beneficial bioactive compound for heart, cardiovascular and brain function, with different, and at times complementary, effects compared with EPA. DHA has also been reported to be effective in slowing the rate of cognitive decline, while its possible effects on depression disorders are still unclear. Interestingly, gender- and age- specific divergent roles for DHA have also been reported. This review provides a comprehensive collection of evidence and a critical summary of the documented physiological effects of high DHA fish oils for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Ghasemi Fard
- a School of Medicine, Deakin University , Geelong , Australia.,b Nu-Mega Ingredients Pty Ltd , Altona North , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Fenglei Wang
- c Department of Food Science and Nutrition , Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , China
| | - Andrew J Sinclair
- a School of Medicine, Deakin University , Geelong , Australia.,e Department of Nutrition , Dietetics and Food, Monash University , Clayton , Australia
| | - Glenn Elliott
- b Nu-Mega Ingredients Pty Ltd , Altona North , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Giovanni M Turchini
- d School of Life and Environmental Sciences , Deakin University , Geelong , Australia
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12
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Brew BK, Gong T, Williams DM, Larsson H, Almqvist C. Using fathers as a negative control exposure to test the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease Hypothesis: A case study on maternal distress and offspring asthma using Swedish register data. Scand J Public Health 2017; 45:36-40. [PMID: 28683663 DOI: 10.1177/1403494817702324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developmental Origins of Health and Disease Hypothesis (DOHaD) studies are often observational in nature and are therefore prone to biases from loss to follow-up and unmeasured confounding. Register-based studies can reduce these issues since they allow almost complete follow-up and provide information on fathers that can be used in a negative control analysis to assess the impact of unmeasured confounding. AIM The aim of this study was to propose a causal model for testing DOHaD using paternal exposure as a negative control, and its application to maternal distress in pregnancy and offspring asthma. METHODS A causal diagram including shared and parent-specific measured and unmeasured confounders for maternal (fetal) and paternal exposures is proposed. The case study consisted of all children born in Sweden from July 2006 to December 2008 ( n=254,150). Information about childhood asthma, parental distress and covariates was obtained from the Swedish national health registers. Associations between maternal and paternal distress during pregnancy and offspring asthma at age five years were assessed separately and with mutual adjustment for the other parent's distress measure, as well as for shared confounders. RESULTS Maternal distress during pregnancy was associated with offspring asthma risk; mutually adjusted odds ratio (OR) (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.23, 1.43). The mutually adjusted paternal distress-offspring asthma analysis (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.97, 1.13) indicated no evidence for unmeasured confounding shared by the mother and father. CONCLUSIONS Using paternal exposure in a negative control model to test the robustness of fetal programming hypotheses can be a relatively simple extension of conventional observational studies but limitations need to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronwyn K Brew
- 1 Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | - Tong Gong
- 1 Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | - Dylan M Williams
- 1 Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | - Henrik Larsson
- 1 Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.,2 School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden
| | - Catarina Almqvist
- 1 Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.,3 Pediatric Allergy and Pulmonology Unit at Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden
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13
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Abstract
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is the predominant omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) found in the brain and can affect neurological function by modulating signal transduction pathways, neurotransmission, neurogenesis, myelination, membrane receptor function, synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, membrane integrity and membrane organization. DHA is rapidly accumulated in the brain during gestation and early infancy, and the availability of DHA via transfer from maternal stores impacts the degree of DHA incorporation into neural tissues. The consumption of DHA leads to many positive physiological and behavioral effects, including those on cognition. Advanced cognitive function is uniquely human, and the optimal development and aging of cognitive abilities has profound impacts on quality of life, productivity, and advancement of society in general. However, the modern diet typically lacks appreciable amounts of DHA. Therefore, in modern populations, maintaining optimal levels of DHA in the brain throughout the lifespan likely requires obtaining preformed DHA via dietary or supplemental sources. In this review, we examine the role of DHA in optimal cognition during development, adulthood, and aging with a focus on human evidence and putative mechanisms of action.
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14
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Weiser MJ, Butt CM, Mohajeri MH. Docosahexaenoic Acid and Cognition throughout the Lifespan. Nutrients 2016; 8:99. [PMID: 26901223 PMCID: PMC4772061 DOI: 10.3390/nu8020099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is the predominant omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) found in the brain and can affect neurological function by modulating signal transduction pathways, neurotransmission, neurogenesis, myelination, membrane receptor function, synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, membrane integrity and membrane organization. DHA is rapidly accumulated in the brain during gestation and early infancy, and the availability of DHA via transfer from maternal stores impacts the degree of DHA incorporation into neural tissues. The consumption of DHA leads to many positive physiological and behavioral effects, including those on cognition. Advanced cognitive function is uniquely human, and the optimal development and aging of cognitive abilities has profound impacts on quality of life, productivity, and advancement of society in general. However, the modern diet typically lacks appreciable amounts of DHA. Therefore, in modern populations, maintaining optimal levels of DHA in the brain throughout the lifespan likely requires obtaining preformed DHA via dietary or supplemental sources. In this review, we examine the role of DHA in optimal cognition during development, adulthood, and aging with a focus on human evidence and putative mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Weiser
- DSM Nutritional Products, R&D Human Nutrition and Health, Boulder, CO, USA.
| | - Christopher M Butt
- DSM Nutritional Products, R&D Human Nutrition and Health, Boulder, CO, USA.
| | - M Hasan Mohajeri
- DSM Nutritional Products, R&D Human Nutrition and Health, Basel, Switzerland.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological studies suggest that a diet high in marine fatty acids (fish oil) may have beneficial effects on inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and possibly asthma. OBJECTIVES 1. To determine the effect of marine n-3 fatty acid (fish oil) supplementation in asthma. 2. To determine the effect of a diet high in fish oil in asthma. SEARCH STRATEGY The Cochrane Airways Review Group register was search using the terms: marine fatty acids OR diet OR nutrition OR fish oil OR eicosapentaenoic acid OR EPA. Bibliographies of retrieved trials were searched and fish oil manufacturers contacted. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials in patients with asthma more than two years of age were included. The study duration had to be in excess of 4 weeks. Double blind trials were preferred, but single-blind and open trials were also reviewed for possible inclusion. Three reviewers read each paper, blind to its identity. Decisions concerning inclusion were made by simple majority. Quality assessment was performed by all three reviewers independently. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS The only comparison possible was between marine n-3 fatty acid supplementation and placebo. There were insufficient trials to examine dietary manipulation alone. MAIN RESULTS Eight randomised controlled trials conducted between 1986 and 1998 satisfied the inclusion criteria. Six were of parallel design and two were cross-over studies. Seven compared fish oil with placebo whilst one compared high dose vs low dose marine n-3 fatty acid supplementation. None of the included studies reported asthma exacerbations, health status or hospital admissions. There was no consistent effect on any of the analyzable outcomes: FEV1, peak flow rate, asthma symptoms, asthma medication use or bronchial hyper reactivity. The single study performed in children also combined dietary manipulation with fish oil supplementation and showed improved peak flow and reduced asthma medication use. There were no adverse events associated with fish oil supplements. Updated Search conducted August 2000. No new trials were found. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS There is little evidence to recommend that people with asthma supplement or modify their dietary intake of marine n-3 fatty acids (fish oil) in order to improve their asthma control. Equally, there is no evidence that they are at risk if they do so.
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Affiliation(s)
- R K Woods
- Department of Epidemiolgy and Preventative Medicine, Monash Medical School, Alfred Hospital, Commercial Road, Prahran, Victoria, AUSTRALIA, 3181.
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