Dietary omega-3(PUFA) is very important to ensure brain structure and function, more specifically during development and aging.***
The brain is one of the organs with the highest level of lipids (fats). Brain lipids, formed of fatty acids, participate in the structure of membranes, for instance 50% of fatty acids are polyunsaturated in the gray matter, 1/3 are of the omega-3 family, and are thus of dietary origin.****
Omega-3 PUFA Deficiency can prevent the renewal of membranes, and thus accelerate cerebral aging;****
Among various organs, in the brain, the fatty acids most extensively studied are omega-3 fatty acids. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) deficiency alters the structure and function of membranes and induces minor cerebral dysfunctions, as demonstrated in animal models and subsequently in human infants.*
The effect of Omega-3 fatty acids dietary substances (nutrients) on the structure and function of the brain indicate that the nature of PUFA (in particular omega-3) present in formula milks for infants both (premature and term) determines the visual, cerebral, and intellectual abilities*
Omega-3 fatty acids appear to be effective in the prevention of stress, however their role as regulator of mood is a matter for discussion. Indeed, they play a role in the prevention of some disorders including depression (especially post partum), as well as in dementia, particularly Alzheimer disease.*
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) deficiency alters the course of brain development, decreases the perception of pleasure, by slightly altering the effect of sensory organs and by affecting certain cerebral structures.*
Age-related impairment of hearing, vision and smell is due to both decreased effect of the parts of the brain concerned and disorders of sensory receptors, particularly of the inner ear or retina. For example, a given level of perception of a sweet taste requires a larger quantity of sugar in subjects with alpha-linolenic acid deficiency.**
Dietary alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) deficiency induces more marked abnormalities in certain cerebral structures than in others, as the frontal cortex and pituitary gland are more severely affected.*
Selective lesions are accompanied by behavioral disorders more particularly affecting certain tests (habituation, adaptation to new situations).*
Dietary Supplementation – Omega 3 Enriched Eggs
Biochemical and behavioral abnormalities are partially reversed by a dietary phospholipid (a major component of all cell membranes) supplement, especially Omega-3-Rich egg yolk.*
Three Omega 3 Enriched Eggs provide approximately same amount of omega 3 oil as 1 meal with fish.**
Feeding hens flaxseed increases alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in the egg yolk about 30-fold, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) increases nearly fourfold.**
References: *Bourre JM.,J. Nutr Health Aging. 2004;8(3):163-74 **Poult Sci.2000 Jul;79(7):971-4.Lewis NM,Seburg S,Flanagan NL. ***Bourre JM J Nutr Health Aging. 2005 Jul-Aug;9(4):232-42 ****Bourre JM J Nutr Biochem.1999 Apr;10(4):230-6.
