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The Influence of Fish Oil on Neurological Development and Function

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 September 2014

Noran M. Abu-Ouf  and
Mohammed M. Jan
Noran M. Abu-Ouf
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Mohammed M. Jan
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Abstract

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Fish oil originates from fish tissue rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These include eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Healthy individuals are advised to consume foods rich in fish oil at least twice a week. However, such intake varies depending on cultural or personal preference, and socio-economic status. Many families and patients with chronic neurological conditions consume supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids. We are frequently requested to give advice and recommendations on using such agents to help improve neurological developmental and cognitive functions. The objective of this review is to discuss the available literature supporting the role of fish oils on brain development and function. There is a growing body of literature suggesting a potential benefit of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids; however it is still unclear if there are response variations according to the developmental stage, age, and dose.

Résumé

RÉSUMÉ

L’influence de l’huile de poisson sur le développement et la fonction neurologique. L’huile de poisson provient de tissus de poisson riches en acides gras oméga-3, l’acide eicosapentaénoÏque (ePA) et l’acide docosahexaénoïque (DhA). On conseille aux individus en bonne santé de consommer des aliments riches en huiles de poisson au moins deux fois par semaine. Cependant, leur consommation varie selon les préférences culturelles ou personnelles ainsi que selon le statut socio-économique. Plusieurs familles et plusieurs patients atteints de maladies neurologiques chroniques consomment des suppléments contenant des acides gras oméga-3. On nous demande souvent des conseils et des recommandations sur l’utilisation de ces agents pour aider à améliorer le développement neurologique et les fonctions cognitives. L’objectif de cette revue est de discuter de la littérature disponible en faveur du rôle des huiles de poisson dans le développement et le fonctionnement du cerveau. Il existe une documentation de plus en plus importante qui suggère que les acides gras polyinsaturés à longue chaîne pourraient être bénéfiques. Cependant, on ne sait pas si la réponse peut varier selon le stade du développement, l’âge et la dose.

Type
Review Article
Information
Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences , Volume 41 , Issue 1 , January 2014 , pp. 13 - 18
Copyright
Copyright © The Canadian Journal of Neurological 2014

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