Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Influence of Omega-3-Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on the Somatic and Cognitive Status of Healthy Children

Aim. Assessing the effectiveness of the influence of omega-3-polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on the somatic and cognitive status of healthy children.

Design. Observational prospective study.

Materials and methods. The study included 90 healthy (without chronic diseases) children aged 3 to 17 years (mean age — 9.2 ± 6.8 years): 35 (38.8%) girls and 55 (62.2%) boys. All children received dietary supplements omega-3, in accordance with the instructions for use, for 1 month. During the study, 3 face-to-face visits to a pediatrician took place: screening (before starting the dietary supplement), at the end of the intake and 2 months after completion of the course of treatment. A comprehensive laboratory and instrumental examination (biochemical blood test), measurement of the omega-3 index, levels of omega-3-PUFA and omega-6-PUFA in “dry” drops of blood, ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs, testing on a computer device for psychophysiological research KPFK-99M Psychomat.

Results. All examined children initially had a deficiency of omega-3 PUFAs, while while taking dietary supplements, the main indicators reflecting the saturation of the body with omega-3 PUFAs (omega-3 index, levels of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids) increased, but the target values were achieved only in 4 of the observed children children. The reference concentrations of PUFA fractions were determined in children from 3 to 17 years old. When taking omega-3, the incidence of acute respiratory pathologies decreased and their course became milder. The positive effect of omega-3 on indicators of fine motor skills, verbal and visual perception, visual-spatial memory, attention span, as well as a slight decrease in anxiety with stabilization of the emotional background, which persisted in all age groups 2 months after completion of the course. The positive effect of dietary supplements on autonomic functions has been demonstrated: the process of falling asleep, sleep quality, appetite. Dynamic observation showed good tolerability and the absence of adverse reactions to taking omega-3, according to laboratory and instrumental studies, as assessed by doctors, patients and their parents.

Conclusion. Taking omega-3 for 1 month (in addition to a healthy diet) is a safe, convenient way to support optimal immune and nervous system function, potentially reducing the risk and impact of infections in children 3–17 years of age.

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