Grant: Operating Grant

Information is increasing to show the n (or omega)-3 fatty acid with 22 carbons and 6 double bonds known as docosahexaenoic acid (abbreviated DHA) plays a crucial role in development of the central nervous system, including the brain and retina. DHA is selectively accumulated in cell membranes of the brain and retina. The needs for DHA are particularly high before birth and in young children when brain growth and development is high compared to body size. DHA is present in the diet in animal lipids, with the richest source being fish. A precursor, alpha linolenic acid is found in some vegetable oils but humans have a poor ability to convert alpha linolenic acid to DHA. Studies here have shown that low blood levels of DHA in pregnant women are associated with poor CNS development in their infants, but it is not known if this has long-term effects on cognitive skills in young children. We have also shown that preschool children themselves have low intakes and low blood levels of DHA, suggesting risk of adverse effects on the rapidly maturing child brain. Genetic variation in fatty acid metabolism also occurs, but how this influences dietary needs for particular fatty acids is unknown. This research involves two parts, follow up of 160 children born to mothers with known DHA status to determine if poor maternal DHA status in gestation has lasting effects on child CNS development., and a cross-sectional study of 200 children to determine if the child's own DHA intake is likely to influence cognitive development. The children will be seen at 4.5 years of age. Information on diet, blood DHA and genetic variability in fatty acid metabolism will be collected. The children will be tested using game-type tests to tap different abilities: attention, information processing, inhibitory control, language skills and visual-fine motor integration. These studies offer a systematic approach to derive recommendations to reduce risk of poor child development due to inadequate DHA.