Impact of polyunsaturated fatty acids during and pregnancy and lactation: A comprehensive review
Yasna Muñoz Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids Volume 203, April 2024, 102656
Highlights
• DHA and ARA are important PUFAs derived from ALA and LA respectively.
• DHA and ARA are relevance in pregnancy and lactation because of their benefits to child developing.
• In pregnancy and lactation, an adequate intake of PUFAs is important for optimal neurodevelopment.
• Adequate intake of DHA in pregnancy and breast feeding is relevant for normal neurodevelopment.
• High prevalence of obesity must generate a revision of PUFAs recommendations in pregnancy and lactation.
Background
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) are relevant polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) derived from alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA), respectively. These are important in pregnancy and lactation periods because of their benefits to the developing fetus and infant. Currently, the high prevalence of gestational obesity has led to a revision of PUFAs recommendations in these periods, due to changes in the lipid profile of women marked by a higher consumption of n-6 PUFA.
Objective
This review aims to present an updated compilation of evidence on DHA and ARA during gestation and lactation.
Methods
The literature review was performed in different databases, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Scielo, ISI, and Ovid MedLine, highlighting the importance of DHA and ARA for newborn development.
Results
An adequate intake of n-3 PUFA, especially DHA, in the mother during pregnancy and the postnatal period is important for the normal development of the child's brain. Maternal DHA supplementation increases DHA levels in mothers, but its direct link to infant neurodevelopment remains unclear. Obesity generates changes in the FA profile of pregnant women, causing an imbalance of n-3 and n-6 PUFA. An adequate level of DHA benefits children's cognitive function. However, a potential connection exists to the infants' inflammatory profile.
Conclusion
During gestation and lactation periods, an adequate DHA intake and n-6/ n-3 PUFA ratio (especially for obese women) are important for the optimal growth and brain development of the child.