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Significance of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for the development and behaviour of children

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Abstract

ω-6 and ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play a central role in the normal development and functioning of the brain and central nervous system. Long-chain PUFAs (LC-PUFAs) such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5ω-3), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6ω-3) and arachidonic acid (AA, C20:4ω-6), in particular, are involved in numerous neuronal processes, ranging from effects on membrane fluidity to gene expression regulation. Deficiencies and imbalances of these nutrients, not only during the developmental phase but throughout the whole life span, have significant effects on brain function. Numerous observational studies have shown a link between childhood developmental disorders and ω-6:ω-3 fatty acid imbalances. For instance, neurocognitive disorders such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism spectrum disorders are often associated with a relative lack of ω-3 fatty acids. In addition to a high ω-6 fatty acid intake and, in many cases, an insufficient supply of ω-3 fatty acids among the population, evidence is increasing to suggest that PUFA metabolism can be impaired in individuals with ADHD. In this context, PUFA imbalances are being discussed as potential risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders. Another focus is whether the nutritive PUFA requirements—especially long-chain ω-3 fatty acid requirements—are higher among some individuals. Meanwhile, several controlled studies investigated the clinical benefits of LC-PUFA supplementation in affected children and adolescents, with occasionally conflicting results.

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Abbreviations

ABC:

Aberrant Behaviour Checklist

COX:

Cyclooxygenase

DSM-IV:

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition

CBCL:

Child Behaviour Checklist

CDI:

Children’s Depression Inventory

CDRS:

Children’s Depression Rating Scale

CGI:

Clinical Global Impression

CTRSL:

Conners’ Teacher Rating Scales, Long Version

FADS:

Fatty acid desaturase

LOX:

Lipoxygenase

PL:

Phospholipase A2

PUFAs:

Polyunsaturated fatty acids

IVA/CPT:

Intermediate Visual and Auditory/Continuous Performance Test

LC-PUFAs:

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids

TOVA:

Test of Variables of Attention

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Disclosures

JP Schuchardt, A Hahn and M Huss work as consultants for companies which also produce and merchandise fatty acid supplements. The contents of this publication do not mention trade names or commercial products. The costs of publication of this article were neither defrayed by any fish-oil-producing- or merchandising- nor by any other company.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Food Science, Nutrition physiology and human nutrition unit, Leibniz University of Hanover, Am Kleinen Felde 30, 30167, Hanover, Germany

    Jan Philipp Schuchardt & Andreas Hahn

  2. Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany

    Michael Huss

  3. Engelhard Arzneimittel GmbH & Co.KG, Herzbergstrasse 3, 61138, Niederdorfelden, Germany

    Manuela Stauss-Grabo

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  1. Jan Philipp Schuchardt
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  2. Michael Huss
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Correspondence to Jan Philipp Schuchardt.

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Schuchardt, J.P., Huss, M., Stauss-Grabo, M. et al. Significance of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for the development and behaviour of children. Eur J Pediatr 169, 149–164 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-009-1035-8

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