Four new studies published in the June issues of Fats of Life and PUFA Newsletter show that polyunsaturated fats, mainly the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, benefit maternal and infant health, immune function and total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
One study showed that providing greater amounts of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) an omega-3 and arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid to preterm infants with low birth weights resulted in improved cognition. Another study on TPN showed that in infants with severe liver disease and slow bowel syndrome, a fish oil-based preparation reversed the disease more quickly and more often compared with the standard soybean oil preparation.
Both studies challenged current U.S. regulations because preterm infant formulas provide fewer fatty acids than infants would receive if still in the womb, and fish oil TPN must be imported from Europe and is approved for use only in certain circumstances.
"Fish oil-based TPN saves lives and hastens the recovery of infants with short bowel syndrome," says Joyce Nettleton, PUFA editor. "Evidence from these studies may help ease U.S. regulations so that fish oil-based TPN will be widely available across the country."
Other research examined infant cognitive development related to mothers' exposure to high levels of methylmercury PCBs and omega-3s from eating seafood while pregnant. In spite of their exposure, infants' high level of prenatal DHA was linked to better outcomes, such as higher birth weight, gestational age, visual acuity and higher mental and psychomotor developmental scores.
To view the reports, visit http://www.fatsoflife.com.
