The Role of Omega-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Cognitive Development

Abstract

Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3 ω-3) ve linoleic acid (LA, 18:2 ω-6) are essential for human body and important not only during infancy and elderly but also during the lifespan. Last trimester of gestation and until two years old brain development is very fast and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is required for brain development and central nervous system membran functions. Also, DHA accumulates in the brain during development. There isn’t sufficient data for determination of ALA which is main source of brain functions. However, it is suggested as an adequate intake 0.5% of total energy intake daily. Moreover, during gestation and lactation it is suggested 100-200 mg/day addition to 250 mg/ day eicasopentaenoic acid (EPA)+DHA intake of adults. Short and long term neuronal development of fetus and infant is related with DHA intake according to maternal fatty acids intake. In spite of that, there is a need for more studies about effects of DHA supplementation on cognitive development during gestation and lactation periods and after two years old. In this article, current studies about the relationship between omega-3 fatty acids and cognitive development are compiled.