Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Children.
10.5223/pghn.2013.16.3.153
- Author:
Ji Hyuk LEE
1
Author Information
1. Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea. e-z-up@daum.net
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Fatty acid;
Unsaturaed;
Omega-3;
Omega-6;
Child
- MeSH:
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
- From:Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
2013;16(3):153-161
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
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.
