scholarly journals Dietary Docosahexaenoic Acid and Arachidonic Acid in Early Life: What Is the Best Evidence for Policymakers?

2018 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 210-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stewart Forsyth ◽  
Philip C. Calder ◽  
Francis Zotor ◽  
Paul Amuna ◽  
Barbara Meyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Arachidonic Acid ◽  
Docosahexaenoic Acid ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Pragmatic Approach ◽  
Functional Roles ◽  
Beneficial Effects

Background: A wealth of information on the functional roles of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) from cellular, animal, and human studies is available. Yet, there remains a lack of cohesion in policymaking for recommended dietary intakes of DHA and ARA in early life. This is predominantly driven by inconsistent findings from a relatively small number of randomised clinical trials (RCTs), which vary in design, methodology, and outcome measures, all of which were conducted in high-income countries. It is proposed that this selective evidence base may not fully represent the biological importance of DHA and ARA during early and later life and the aim of this paper is to consider a more inclusive and pragmatic approach to evidence assessment of DHA and ARA requirements in infants and young children, which will allow policymaking to reflect the marked diversity of need worldwide. Summary: Data from clinical RCTs is considered in the context of the extensive evidence from experimental, animal and human observational studies. Although the RCT data shows evidence of beneficial effects on visual function and in specific cognitive domains, early methodological approaches do not reflect current thinking and this undermines the strength of evidence. An outline of a framework for an inclusive and pragmatic approach to policy development on dietary DHA and ARA in early life is described. Conclusion: High-quality RCTs that will determine long-term health outcomes in appropriate real-world settings need to be undertaken. In the meantime, a collective pragmatic approach to evidence assessment, may allow public health policymakers to make comprehensive reasoned judgements on the merits, costs, and expediency of dietary DHA and ARA interventions.

scholarly journals Arachidonic acid/docosahexaenoic acid-supplemented diet in early life reduces body weight gain, plasma lipids, and adiposity in later life in ApoE*3Leiden mice

2012 ◽  
Vol 56 (7) ◽  
pp. 1081-1089 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Y. Wielinga ◽  
Lucien F. Harthoorn ◽  
Lars Verschuren ◽  
Marieke H. Schoemaker ◽  
Zeina E. Jouni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Arachidonic Acid ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Docosahexaenoic Acid ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Plasma Lipids ◽  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
Later Life

scholarly journals Dietary Intakes of Arachidonic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid in Early Life - With a Special Focus on Complementary Feeding in Developing Countries

2017 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. 217-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stewart Forsyth ◽  
Sheila Gautier ◽  
Norman Salem Jr.
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Arachidonic Acid ◽  
Docosahexaenoic Acid ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Complementary Feeding ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Complementary Foods

Background: In developing countries, dietary intakes of arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in early life are lower than current recommended levels. This review specifically focusses on the contribution that complementary feeding makes to ARA and DHA intakes in medium- to low-income countries. The aims of the review are (1) to determine the availability of ARA and DHA food sources in developing countries, (2) to estimate the contribution of complementary feeding to dietary intakes of ARA and DHA in infants aged 6-36 months, and (3) to relate the dietary ARA and DHA intake data to key socioeconomic and health indicators. Summary: The primary dietary data was collected by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) using Food Balance Sheets, and fatty acid composition was based on the Australian food composition tables. There is evidence of wide variation in per capita dietary intake for both DHA and ARA food sources, with low intakes of meat and seafood products being highly prevalent in most low-income countries. In children aged 6-36 months, the supply of ARA and DHA from the longer duration of breastfeeding in low-income countries is counterbalanced by the exceptionally low provision of ARA and DHA from complementary foods. The lowest tertile for ARA intake is associated with higher percentages of childhood stunting, birth rate, infant mortality, and longer duration of breast feeding. Key Message: In developing countries, intakes of DHA and ARA from complementary foods are low, and public health organisations need to adopt pragmatic strategies that will ensure that there is a nutritional safety net for the most vulnerable infants.

scholarly journals Does Maternal Arachidonic Acid Influence the Neurodevelopmental Effects of Docosahexaenoic Acid?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanjay Basak ◽  
Rahul Mallick ◽  
Antara Banerjee ◽  
Surajit Pathak ◽  
Asim K. Duttaroy
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Arachidonic Acid ◽  
Cerebral Cortex ◽  
Docosahexaenoic Acid ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Structural Function ◽  
Rapid Rate ◽  
Functional Roles ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Effects

During the last trimester of gestation and for the first 18 months after birth, docosahexaenoic acid,22:6n-3 (DHA) and arachidonic acid,20:4n-6 (ARA) deposited within the cerebral cortex at a rapid rate. The mode of action of these two fatty acids and their derivatives at different structural-function and signaling pathways levels in the brain have been continuously emanating. These fatty acids are also involved in various brain developmental processes; however, their mechanisms of action are not yet well known. Recent data suggest that there may be a need for a balanced proportion of ARA and DHA in infant formula due to their complementary benefits. This review describes the importance of maternal preferential transfer of ARA and DHA to support the infant's optimal brain development and growth and functional roles in the brain.

scholarly journals Estimated Dietary Intakes of Arachidonic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid in Infants and Young Children Living in Developing Countries

2016 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stewart Forsyth ◽  
Sheila Gautier ◽  
Norman Salem Jr.
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Arachidonic Acid ◽  
Fatty Acid Composition ◽  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Docosahexaenoic Acid ◽  
Acid Composition ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Infants And Young Children

Background/Aims: There are only few data on dietary arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake in infants from developing countries, and current global recommendations on intake during early life may not reflect the needs of the world's most vulnerable infants. The aim of the study was to provide estimates of intake of ARA and DHA in infants and young children aged 6-36 months who live in developing countries. Methods: FAO Food Balance Sheets and fatty acid composition data from Australian food composition tables were utilized to generate mean per capita intake estimates for DHA and ARA in developing countries. The median daily intake of DHA and ARA in children age 6-36 months in each country was determined by combining the fatty acid composition of breast milk and complementary foods with the estimated intakes being weighted according to median duration of any breastfeeding. Results: The median daily dietary intake for ARA and DHA across 76 developing countries was 64.0 and 48.9 mg/day, respectively. The lowest complementary food intake of ARA and DHA was present in countries with the lowest gross national income and highest birth rates. Conclusion: Global recommendations on ARA and DHA in early life need to reflect the specific needs of infants and families living in low income countries, and country-specific food policies should address gaps between recommended and achieved intakes.

scholarly journals Does Maternal Arachidonic Acid Influence the Neurodevelopmental Effects of Docosahexaenoic Acid?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asim K. Duttaroy
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Arachidonic Acid ◽  
Cerebral Cortex ◽  
Docosahexaenoic Acid ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Structural Function ◽  
Rapid Rate ◽  
Functional Roles ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Effects

During the last trimester of gestation and for the first 18 months after birth, docosahexaenoic acid,22:6n-3 (DHA) and arachidonic acid,20:4n-6 (ARA) deposited within the cerebral cortex at a rapid rate. The mode of action of these two fatty acids and their derivatives at different structural-function and signaling pathways levels in the brain have been continuously emanating. These fatty acids are also involved in various brain developmental processes; however, their mechanisms of action are not yet well known. Recent data suggest that there may be a need for a balanced proportion of ARA and DHA in infant formula due to their complementary benefits. This review describes the importance of maternal preferential transfer of ARA and DHA to support the infant's optimal brain development and growth and functional roles in the brain.

Endocannabinoids

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leslie Iversen
Keyword(s):  
Arachidonic Acid ◽  
Energy Metabolism ◽  
Pain Sensitivity ◽  
Large Family ◽  
Cardiovascular Control ◽  
Lipid Signaling ◽  
Physiological Functions ◽  
Functional Roles ◽  
Metabolism Regulation ◽  
Mediators Of Inflammation

The endocannabinoids are part of a large family of lipid signaling molecules derived from arachidonic acid, including the prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are important mediators of inflammation. Far less is known about the newer members of the endocannabinoid group, and it remains unclear whether they all play important functional roles. This chapter reviews the multiple members of this family and their biosynthesis and inactivation. Physiological functions, including retrograde synaptic signaling, control of energy metabolism, regulation of pain sensitivity, and cardiovascular control, are discussed. In addition, the chapter reports the synthesis of novel agonists, antagonists, and compounds inhibiting endocannabinoid inactivation as novel medicines.

Hypoallergenicity and Effects on Growth and Tolerance of a New Amino Acid-Based Formula with Docosahexaenoic Acid and Arachidonic Acid

2008 ◽  
Vol 153 (2) ◽  
pp. 266-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wesley Burks ◽  
Stacie M. Jones ◽  
Carol Lynn Berseth ◽  
Cheryl Harris ◽  
Hugh A. Sampson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Arachidonic Acid ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Docosahexaenoic Acid

scholarly journals Early Origins of Body Mass in Later Life: Examining Childhood Risks and Adult Pathways

2021 ◽  
pp. 002214652110054
Author(s):  
Sarah A. Mustillo ◽  
Miao Li ◽  
Patricia Morton ◽  
Kenneth F. Ferraro
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Life Experiences ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Older Adulthood ◽  
Early Life Exposure ◽  
Nationally Representative

Prior research reveals that negative early-life experiences play a major role in the development of obesity in later life, but few studies identify mechanisms that alter the lifetime risk of obesity. This study examines the influence of negative childhood experiences on body mass index (BMI) and obesity (BMI ≥30) during older adulthood and the psychosocial and behavioral pathways involved. Using a nationally representative sample, we examine the influence of cumulative misfortune as well as five separate domains of misfortune on BMI and obesity. Results show that four of the five domains are associated with BMI and obesity either directly, indirectly, or both. The influence of cumulative misfortune on the outcomes is mediated by three adult factors: socioeconomic status, depressive symptoms, and physical activity. The mediators identified here provide targets for intervention among older adults to help offset the health risks of excess BMI attributable of early-life exposure to misfortune.

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