Impact of the high n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and/or maternal obesity on neurodevelopment. Is there an essential contribution of dietary n-3 fatty acids?

A balanced nutrition during pregnancy and lactation is one of the major contributors to an adequate neurodevelopment of the offspring. Impairment of this crucial process results in poor health outcomes and sequelae that can last a lifetime. One key nutrient for neurodevelopment is docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3, DHA), an n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA). In the developing brain, DHA has shown to have a critical role in the regulation of neurogenesis, neuronal survival and neuroinflammation.

The results of this study will contribute to a better understanding of the influence and effects of dietary fatty acids and maternal obesity in neurodevelopment, identifying the essential contribution of n-3 fatty acids.

Co-Investigador Dr. Juan Montiel, UDP

Principal Investigator Dr. Rodrigo Valenzuela, U. de Chile