Mental Retardation is Associated with Abnormal Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acid Levels
Bottomline: Plasma levels of omega-6 fatty acids were significantly higher, while omega-3 fatty acid levels were significantly lower in children with mental retardation, according to the results of the first ever matched case control study. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(1):22-8.
Background: A large body of research implicates fatty acid imbalances with various neurological disorders including, dyslexia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mood disorders and learning disorders. Particularly, elevated levels of omega-6 fatty acids are associated with dysfunction, while omega-3 fatty acid levels, particularly EPA and DHA are associated with neuroprotection. Mental retardation effects about 1% of school-age children. While genetics is a significant factor, up to 60% of cases are from unknown causes.
Summary: In this age-matched case control study, researchers identified 31 school-age children from Korea, who met the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manuals (DSM) criteria for mental retardation. Healthy children were recruited as controls from the same areas as the special education school from which the cases were selected. Plasma phospholipid fatty acids, plasma lipoproteins and other lipids were measured and evaluated.
Total omega-3 fatty acids levels were significantly lower in cases as compared to controls. In particular, for each unit increase in plasma DHA, the odds of mental retardation decreased by 74%. On the other hand, the odds of mental retardation increased significantly with an increase in the total omega-6 fatty acid plasma levels.
No difference in diet were found between the groups of children. However, only one-day of the children's diet was recorded and evaluated, the duration of which the researchers acknowledged as a significant limitation.
Study Quote: "the odds of mental retardation were estimated to increase by 69% for each unit increase in the omega-6 to omega-3 (ratio in the plasma)."
Link to Study:
Neggers YH, Kim EK, Song JM, Chung EJ, Um YS, Park T.
Mental retardation is associated with plasma omega-3 fatty acid levels and the omega-3/omega-6 ratio in children.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(1):22-8.
Background: A large body of research implicates fatty acid imbalances with various neurological disorders including, dyslexia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mood disorders and learning disorders. Particularly, elevated levels of omega-6 fatty acids are associated with dysfunction, while omega-3 fatty acid levels, particularly EPA and DHA are associated with neuroprotection. Mental retardation effects about 1% of school-age children. While genetics is a significant factor, up to 60% of cases are from unknown causes.
Summary: In this age-matched case control study, researchers identified 31 school-age children from Korea, who met the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manuals (DSM) criteria for mental retardation. Healthy children were recruited as controls from the same areas as the special education school from which the cases were selected. Plasma phospholipid fatty acids, plasma lipoproteins and other lipids were measured and evaluated.
Total omega-3 fatty acids levels were significantly lower in cases as compared to controls. In particular, for each unit increase in plasma DHA, the odds of mental retardation decreased by 74%. On the other hand, the odds of mental retardation increased significantly with an increase in the total omega-6 fatty acid plasma levels.
No difference in diet were found between the groups of children. However, only one-day of the children's diet was recorded and evaluated, the duration of which the researchers acknowledged as a significant limitation.
Study Quote: "the odds of mental retardation were estimated to increase by 69% for each unit increase in the omega-6 to omega-3 (ratio in the plasma)."
Link to Study:
Neggers YH, Kim EK, Song JM, Chung EJ, Um YS, Park T.
Mental retardation is associated with plasma omega-3 fatty acid levels and the omega-3/omega-6 ratio in children.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(1):22-8.
Posted by Evelyn Tribole MSRD at April 9, 2009 1:09 PM 
Categories: Biomarkers,2009 Studies,Omega-6 Fat,Abstract,DHA,Brain,omega-6/omega-3 Ratio
Categories: Biomarkers,2009 Studies,Omega-6 Fat,Abstract,DHA,Brain,omega-6/omega-3 Ratio
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