Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr.  2013 Sep;16(3):153-161. 10.5223/pghn.2013.16.3.153.

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Children

• Lee JH

• KMID: 2051328
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5223/pghn.2013.16.3.153

Abstract

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are the major components of brain and retina, and are the essential fatty acids with important physiologically active functions. Thus, PUFAs should be provided to children, and are very important in the brain growth and development for fetuses, newborn infants, and children. Omega-3 fatty acids decrease coronary artery disease and improve blood flow. PUFAs have been known to have anti-inflammatory action and improved the chronic inflammation such as auto-immune diseases or degenerative neurologic diseases. PUFAs are used for metabolic syndrome related with obesity or diabetes. However, there are several considerations related with intake of PUFAs. Obsession with the intake of unsaturated fatty acids could bring about the shortage of essential fatty acids that are crucial for our body, weaken the immune system, and increase the risk of heart disease, arrhythmia, and stroke. In this review, we discuss types, physiologic mechanism of action of PUFAs, intake of PUFAs for children, recommended intake of PUFAs, and considerations for the intake of PUFAs.

Keyword

Fatty acid; Unsaturaed; Omega-3; Omega-6; Child

MeSH Terms

Arrhythmias, Cardiac
Brain
Child
Coronary Artery Disease
Fatty Acids, Essential
Fatty Acids, Omega-3
Fatty Acids, Unsaturated
Fetus
Growth and Development
Heart Diseases
Humans
Immune System
Infant, Newborn
Inflammation
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Obesity
Obsessive Behavior
Retina
Stroke
Fatty Acids, Essential
Fatty Acids, Omega-3
Fatty Acids, Unsaturated

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