Journal
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD PROPERTIES
Volume 25, Issue 1, Pages 1021-1044Publisher
TAYLOR & FRANCIS INC
DOI: 10.1080/10942912.2022.2070642
Keywords
DHA; EPA; ALA; Children brain development; Brain disorders
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
This article discusses the importance of ω-3 fatty acids, including DHA and EPA, in brain development. These fatty acids can improve mental health and reduce the risk of related diseases.
Omega-3 fatty acids are rich in marine animals and plant-based foods like grains and seeds. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are directly present in different fish types, whereas they are indirectly available in various seeds and grains. Plants seeds and grains contain omega 3-fatty acids in the form of ALA that is converted into EPA and DHA with the help of specific enzymes. DHA and EPA play an important role in developing brain and nerve cells. Several studies confirmed that children need these fatty acids at all stages, including pre-birth and after-birth. During pregnancy and lactation, the fetus fulfills its requirements by the mother's diet. During childhood, DHA and EPA demands are fulfilled from different food sources. Different Clinical studies suggested that n-3 fatty acids supplementation during pregnancy, lactation and infants may play an important role in brain development, including neurodevelopment, nervous tissue, optimal visual and neuronal signaling. Animal and cell studies showed that DHA is a vital fatty acid with brain function for neuronal cell growth. Pharmacologically, these omega 3 fatty acids improve mental health and reduce the risk of brain-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, depressive symptoms, epilepsy, schizophrenia, stroke, Parkinson's disease and autism spectrum disorders. This review described the importance of fatty acids including EPA and DHA in supporting the optimum growth and development of brain. The conclusive statement, DHA and EPA are vital functional materials for forming babies' brain at different age periods.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available