Alpha-linolenic acid, long-chain n-3 fatty acids, and neonatal brain development.

There appear to be mechanisms that enable the developing brain to regulate its concentration of 22:6n-3 in response to both dietary deficiencies and excesses. This appears to be true whether the n-3 fatty acids are supplied as 18:3n-3 or the long-chain derivatives, suggesting that the presence of 22:6n-3 during development may be of functional consequence to the operation of the nervous system. Although there is experimental support for specific effects of n-3 fatty acids on retinal function, further studies with better methodological controls are needed before effects on cognitive function in rodents can be considered unequivocal.