The purpose of this review is to provide an overview regarding the role of ω-3 and ω-6 long-chain
polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on normal
growth and maturation of the central nervous system and retina of the fetus, newborn and infant. Numerous
studies have shown that DHA is associated with higher scores on tests of visual and neural development in infants
and children. We also present progress concerning the molecular mechanism triggered during pregnancy and
lactation to support LC-PUFAs requirements. During pregnancy, the fetus demands LC-PUFAs, which are
provided through placental transfer. Placental transfer of fatty acids involves a multi-step process of uptake and
translocation facilitated by specific proteins that favor DHA and AA over other fatty acids. After birth, the
newborn acquires the LC-PUFAs from milk or formula. LC-PUFAs from cord blood and breast milk are acquired
from the maternal diet, mobilized from reserves, or synthesized de novo in the maternal organism from the
precursors linoleic acid (LA) and linolenic acid (LNA). The mother adapts her metabolism to support this
draining of LC-PUFAs through mammary tissue, using a high rate of dietary uptake and allowing the expression
of enzymes responsible for LC-PUFAs synthesis. We have demonstrated that mammary tissue, together with the
liver, plays an important role in the synthesis of ω-3 and ω-6 LC-PUFAs to supply to the product in pregnancy
and lactation.
