Key Findings:
n3 fatty acids are important for brain development during gestation, nursing and childhood for the brain development. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) deficiency during nerve development can result in behavior abnormalities as DHA is an important component of the myelin sheath in nerve tissue. The influence of flaxseed on the development (i.e. body weight, brain weight, brain relative weight) and brain lipid profile was assessed in rat pups (F1 generation) following lifetime supplementation in the dams. Flaxseed produced higher total n3 fatty acids (57%) than the other diets. Newborn rats from dams fed flaxseed showed a very high percentage of DHA, as well as in the sum of PUFA and n3. The percentile amount of DHA was also very high in the pups’ brain of the flaxseed group. The authors that flaxseed fed during gestation has influence on the incorporation of n3 fatty acids in the brain of newborn rats, contributing to improved cerebral development.
ABSTRACT:
The importance of essential fatty acids, in particular the omega 3 family, in the central nervous system development of newborns is well documented. The flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) is considered one of the best vegetable sources of omega 3 fatty acids. The influence of omega 3 fatty acids from flaxseed on the brain development of newborn rats was evaluated. Pups of the Fl generation were obtained from 18 female Wistar rats divided in 3 groups (n = 6), FG: fed with diet based on Flaxseed added with casein, CG: Casein, and MCG: Modified Casein supplemented with fibers and soybean oil. Newborn pups were weighted and submitted to euthanasia; brains were collected for evaluation of weight and lipid profile through gaseous chromatography. Significant increase in brain weight (39%) and relative brain weight (37%) was verified in pups from mothers fed with flaxseed diet. The n3 fatty acids from the flaxseed were found in abundance in the diet made with this oleaginous and also significant increase in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (38%), as well as in total of n3 fatty acids (62%). Maternal diet of flaxseed during pregnancy influences the incorporation of omega 3 fatty acid in the composition of brain tissue, assuring a good development of this organ in newborn rats. (Authors abstract)
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