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Abstract
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Omega-3 polyunsaturated
fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) are composed of ALA
(alpha-linolenic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosa-hexaenoic
acid), SDA (stearidonic acid) and DPA
(docosa-pentaenoic acid). Omega-3
polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential
components of neural membrane
phospholipids and may improve cognition by
supporting different aspects of neuronal
function. DHA is more important than other
n-3 PUFAs in terms of brain functions. It
affects various neurologic pathways and
processes. The brain and eye have higher
DHA content than other organs. EPA and
DHA help the cells in the human brain to
regenerate and ensure the proliferation of
brain and retinal cells. EPA and DHA could
be synthesized by humans in small amounts
from the essential fatty acid precursor ALA.
Dietary intake of DHA and EPA is important
because of the limited transformation in the
human body. Therefore, foods containing
omega-3 PUFA should be included in the
diet. Brain development is very rapid in the
last trimester of gestation and up to the age
of two. During this period, DHA is constantly accumulating in the brain. Breast milk
contains n-3 PUFAs, especially DHA. The
DHA content of breast milk is greatly
affected by dietary DHA intake. Low DHA
intake is linked to impaired cognitive
development and visual function. Therefore,
it is important for pregnant women,
breastfeeding women and infants to consume
enough DHA to support the development and
function of the brain and eye. Moreover,
consumption of oily fish may be associated
with better cognitive performance, normal
aging processes, and a reduction in dementia
progression due to its n-3 PUFA content. In
the aging process, there is a decrease in
brain functions. In this process, n-3 fatty acid
supplements could help support the brain.
Nutrition plays a role in preventing cognitive
decline; however, nutrition alone may not be
as effective as a multi-site intervention. This
study aims to present the current findings on
the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on cognitive
performance and cognitive development in
the light of current literature.