Maternal long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid status during early pregnancy: Association with child behavioral problems and the role of autonomic nervous system activity

The prenatal environment, including availability of critical nutrients, has a profound impact on offspring development. The present study examined the association between maternal long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) status during pregnancy and later child behavioral problems at the age o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) Scotland), 2021-05, Vol.40 (5), p.3338-3345
Main Authors: Vrijkotte, T.G.M., Smeets, J., de Rooij, S.R., Bosch, J.A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Autonomic nervous system activity
Behavioural problems
Essential fatty acids
Offspring
Pregnancy
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Summary:The prenatal environment, including availability of critical nutrients, has a profound impact on offspring development. The present study examined the association between maternal long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) status during pregnancy and later child behavioral problems at the age of 5–6 years. In light of evidence of autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysregulation in some behavioral problems, study further tested if the above association is statistically mediated by cardiac ANS activity. Data was collected as part of the Amsterdam Born Children and their Development-study and complete data were available for 1717 mothers and their offspring. Maternal LC-PUFA status was assessed during early pregnancy (mean gestation = 12.7, SD = 2.5 weeks) and quantified as levels of docosahexenoic acid (DHA), arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), as well as the ratio of n-6:n-3 fatty acids. Child emotional problems and peer problems (internalizing problems), as well as conduct problems and inattention/hyperactivity (externalizing problems), were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire as rated by the mother and teacher at 5–6 years. Child cardiac respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), pre-ejection period (PEP), and heart rate (HR) were utilized as measures of ANS activity at 5–6 years. The results confirmed an association between maternal LC-PUFA status and internalizing behavioral problems as rated by the mother, as shown for DHA (β = −0.11;p 
ISSN:0261-5614
1532-1983
DOI:10.1016/j.clnu.2020.11.002