Abstract
Omega (n-)3 and n-6 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) accumulation in the infant brain after birth is strongly driven by dietary supply of n-3 and n-6 LCPUFAs and their C18 precursors through breast milk or infant formula. n-3 LCPUFA accretion is associated with positive effects on neurodevelopmental outcome whereas high n-6 LCPUFA accumulation is considered disadvantageous. Maternal diet is crucial for breast milk fatty acid composition. Unfortunately, global increases in linoleic acid (C18:2n-6; LA) intake have dramatically increased n-6 LCPUFA and reduced n-3 LCPUFA availability for breastfed infants. We investigated the effects of reducing maternal dietary LA, or increasing n-3 LCPUFA, during lactation on milk and offspring brain fatty acids in mice. Offspring brain n-3 LCPUFA was higher following both interventions, although effects were mediated by different mechanisms. Because of competitive interactions between n-3 and n-6 fatty acids, lowering maternal LA intake may support neurodevelopment in breastfed infants. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 8-15 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Prostaglandins Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids |
Volume | 110 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jul-2016 |
Keywords
- Linoleic acid
- n-3 Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids
- Maternal diet
- Milk
- Brain development
- POLYUNSATURATED FATTY-ACIDS
- DOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID
- HUMAN-MILK
- BREAST-MILK
- DEVELOPING RAT
- MATERNAL DIET
- FED INFANTS
- YOUNG-RATS
- OLEIC-ACID
- CHAIN