Effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on cognition in children

Jeannine Baumgartner*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Children with a low consumption of fish and high intakes of fat and oils rich in n-6 but low in n-3 fatty acids are at risk of inadequate n-3 fatty acid intakes. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for normal cognitive development and function. This chapter includes a brief introduction to cognitive functions and brain development and an overview on the role of n-3 fatty acids in the brain. It also summarizes the proposed mechanisms of how inadequate n-3 fatty acid intake may affect cognitive function and behavior in children. Furthermore, it provides a narrative review of animal studies and observational research in children that examined the relationship between n-3 fatty acid status/intake and cognitive function, and reviews randomized controlled trials that investigated the effects of n-3 fatty acid supplementation on cognition, academic achievement, and behavior in children above 2 years of age.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHandbook of Lipids in Human Function
Subtitle of host publicationFatty Acids
PublisherElsevier Inc.
Pages331-375
Number of pages45
ISBN (Print)9781630670368
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016

Keywords

  • Brain development
  • Children
  • Cognition
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Randomized controlled trials
  • Supplementation

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