Role of polyunsaturated fatty acids in fetal programming of diseases

Information for nursing staff, 2024, 56(2), 48-51.

R. Chamova

Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical University – Varna

Abstract. Nutrition during the first 1000 days, starting from conception and continuing until the age of two, is important to an individual health at all stages of the life. Inadequate nutrition of women during pregnancy is among the epigenetic factors influencing the phenotypic expression of genes. The purpose of this review is to emphasize the importance of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in early life. Scientific publications available in the electronic database PubMed, Scopus and Web of science were analyzed. The key words were: nutrition, pregnancy, and macronutrients. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are important for health and neuropsychological development of the child. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in early life affect the physiological and metabolic pathways associated with metabolic disease programming. Inadequate intake of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid during pregnancy has been associated with impaired cognitive function and impaired visual acuity in the offspring. Omega-6:omega-3 ratio is a key determinant of health and its balance is necessary to maintain homeostasis, normal development and good mental health throughout the life cycle. The composition of fatty acids in maternal nutrition during pregnancy is a
crucial factor strongly associated with the normal development of the offspring, both during the intrauterine period and after birth.

Key words: pregnancy, nutrition, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids

Address for correspondence: Assoc. prof., Rosica Chamova, PhD, е-mail: rositsa.chamova@mu-varna.bg