Red blood cell omega-3 fatty acids and attention scores in healthy adolescents

Abstract

Omega-3 fatty acids are critical for brain function. Adolescence is increasingly believed to entail brain vulnerability to dietary intake. In contrast to the abundant research on the omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in cognition, research on DHA and attention in healthy adolescents is scarce. In addition, the role of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the vegetable omega-3 fatty acid, is unexplored. We examined associations between DHA and ALA and attention function among a healthy young population. In this cross-sectional study conducted in 372 adolescents (13.8 ± 0.9 years-old), we determined the red blood cell proportions of DHA and ALA by gas chromatography (objective biomarkers of their long-term dietary intake) and measured attention scores through the Attention Network Test. We constructed multivariable linear regression models to analyze associations, controlling for known confounders. Compared to participants at the lowest DHA tertile (reference), those at the highest DHA tertile showed significantly lower hit reaction time-standard error (higher attentiveness) (28.13 ms, 95% confidence interval [CI] = – 52.30; – 3.97), lower hit reaction time ( – 38.30 ms, 95% CI = – 73.28; – 3.33) and lower executive conflict response ( – 5.77 ms, 95% CI = – 11.44; – 0.09). In contrast, higher values were observed in those at the top tertile of ALA in hit reaction time compared to the lowest one (46.14 ms, 95% CI = 9.90; 82.34). However, a beneficial association was observed for ALA, with decreasing impulsivity index across tertiles. Overall, our results suggest that DHA (reflecting its dietary intake) is associated with attention performance in typically developing adolescents. The role of dietary ALA in attention is less clear, although higher blood levels of ALA appear to result in lower impulsivity. Future intervention studies are needed to determine the causality of these associations and to better shape dietary recommendations for brain health during the adolescence period.

Impact of Nut Consumption on Cognition across the Lifespan

“…However, it has been scarcely studied at younger ages. In a recent cross-sectional study of 332 healthy adolescents, the red blood cell proportions of ALA (an objective biomarker of walnut consumption) were inversely associated with impulsivity (a usually detrimental psychological trait and a key feature of many psychiatric disorders) [ 32 ]. The findings from this study support the hypothesis that nuts, particularly walnuts, could have a beneficial impact on cognition.…”

The Association between Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Behavioral Outcomes among Urban Teenagers

“…This is a cross-sectional study using baseline data from an existing database provided by the WALNUTs project (5,6). The original aim of WALNUTs cohort was the assessment of a nutritional intervention based on daily walnut intake and its impact on cognitive function.…”

“…The other confounding variables related with child and maternal characteristics and lifestyle factors were assessed by the administration of a child and parental self-reported general questionnaire during baseline assessments. Finally, a fieldwork nurse measured child anthropometrical characteristics following standardized proceedings (5,6).…”