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 language | English |
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Title of host publication | Handbook of Lipids in Human Function |
Subtitle of host publication | Fatty Acids |
Publisher | Elsevier Inc. |
Pages | 331-375 |
Number of pages | 45 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781630670368 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2016 |
Keywords
- Brain development
- Children
- Cognition
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Randomized controlled trials
- Supplementation