Dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) benefits are not clearly defined in childhood although already well-defined in adults. Recent studies demonstrated their positive effects on bronchial asthma, neuropsychiatric disorders and cognitive brain function in childhood. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated a relationship between the increased incidence of childhood obesity and the role of ω-3 PUFAs in reducing the metabolic and vascular alterations induced by the fat accumulation since young age. Such relationship could be more important in prevention future cardiovascular events. In facts, ω-3 PUFAs could improve endothelial function and structure since childhood. By considering endothelial dysfunction as a well-known early marker of atherosclerosis, its amelioration since first years of individuals life will certainly reduce the cardiovascular risk profile in adulthood. Nevertheless, their use is limited by several factors: the lacking of studies in children and the awful taste of the products enriched with ω-3 PUFAs, although several patents had been managed in order to overcome such defects and develop the use of these molecules. This paper is a literature studies and patents analysis aiming at exploring key issues regarding ω-3 PUFAs administration in childhood in order to take into account the opportunity of their routinely use in everyday life since early moments of life. Nevertheless, it is well-established that further studies are needed to endorse the promising results outlined by literature analysis.

The role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation In childhood: a review

CICCONE, Marco Matteo;ZITO, ANNAPAOLA;GIORDANO, Paola
2013-01-01

Abstract

Dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) benefits are not clearly defined in childhood although already well-defined in adults. Recent studies demonstrated their positive effects on bronchial asthma, neuropsychiatric disorders and cognitive brain function in childhood. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated a relationship between the increased incidence of childhood obesity and the role of ω-3 PUFAs in reducing the metabolic and vascular alterations induced by the fat accumulation since young age. Such relationship could be more important in prevention future cardiovascular events. In facts, ω-3 PUFAs could improve endothelial function and structure since childhood. By considering endothelial dysfunction as a well-known early marker of atherosclerosis, its amelioration since first years of individuals life will certainly reduce the cardiovascular risk profile in adulthood. Nevertheless, their use is limited by several factors: the lacking of studies in children and the awful taste of the products enriched with ω-3 PUFAs, although several patents had been managed in order to overcome such defects and develop the use of these molecules. This paper is a literature studies and patents analysis aiming at exploring key issues regarding ω-3 PUFAs administration in childhood in order to take into account the opportunity of their routinely use in everyday life since early moments of life. Nevertheless, it is well-established that further studies are needed to endorse the promising results outlined by literature analysis.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11586/131033
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