Maternal DHA Status during Pregnancy Has a Positive Impact on Infant Problem Solving: A Norwegian Prospective Observation Study

Nutrients

IngvildEide Graff¹  Marian Kjellevold¹  Livar Frøyland¹  MariaWik Markhus¹  HanneCecilie Braarud²  Siv Skotheim²  KjellMorten Stormark² 

[1] Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway;Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health, Uni Research Health, Uni Research, P.O. Box 7810, 5020 Bergen, Norway;

关键词: DHA;    pregnancy;    infant development;    infant problem solving;   

DOI  :  10.3390/nu10050529

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6, n-3) is a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid necessary for normal brain growth and cognitive development. Seafood and dietary supplements are the primary dietary sources of DHA. This study addresses the associations between DHA status in pregnant women and healthy, term-born infant problem-solving skills assessed using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire. The fatty acid status of maternal red blood cells (RBCs) was assessed in the 28th week of gestation and at three months postpartum. The infants’ fatty acid status (RBC) was assessed at three, six, and twelve months, and problem-solving skills were assessed at six and twelve months. Maternal DHA status in pregnancy was found to be positively associated with infants’ problem-solving skills at 12 months. This association remained significant even after controlling for the level of maternal education, a surrogate for socio-economic status. The infants’ DHA status at three months was associated with the infants’ problem solving at 12 months. The results accentuate the importance for pregnant and lactating women to have a satisfactory DHA status from dietary intake of seafood or other sources rich in DHA.

【 授权许可】

Unknown