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Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology
2008 October, Vol. XI, No. 2 (4006-4012)
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Rasa Abelyte
Vilnius University Medical Faculty, Department of Paediatrics, Antakalnio Str. 57, Vilnius, Lithuania
Omega-3 fatty acids are important for growth and development of the brain, eye and nervous system. Lipids comprise 50–60% of the dry weight of the adult brain, of which approximately 35% are in the form of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA represents a high proportion of the lipids of the retina and grey matter of the brain, and accrue rapidly in the human brain during the third trimester and the early postnatal period when the rate of brain growth is maximal. Adequate amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for optimal function and development of the central nervous system. Omega-3 fatty acids have beneficial effects on many biological systems, including immune reactions, blood platelets, smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, liver cells and adipocytes and growth regulation of several different cell types. The symptoms of Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency are folliculitis in the skin, reduced growth and reduced visual acuity in children, and reduced neuronal function. The World Health Organization, the British Nutrition Foundation and a Child Health Foundation panel all recognize the importance of DHR and ARA in the infant diet and recommend their inclusion in infant diet.