Cited by 70Fatty Acid Research and HealthFolate and B Vitamins ResearchNutritional Studies and Diet

B vitamins and n-3 fatty acids for brain development and function: review of human studies

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van de Rest, Ondine, van Hooijdonk, Lenneke W.A., Doets, Esmée, Schiepers, Olga J.G., Eilander, Ans, de Groot, Lisette C.P.G.M.·2012·Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Nutrition is one of many factors that affect brain development and functioning, and in recent years the role of certain nutrients has been investigated. B vitamins and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are two of the most promising and widely studied nutritional factors. METHODS: In this review, we provide an overview of human studies published before August 2011 on how vitamin B(6), folate, vitamin B(12) and n-3 PUFA may affect the brain, their nutrient status and the existing evidence for an association between these nutrients and brain development, brain functioning and depression during different stages of the life cycle. RESULTS: No recommendation can be given regarding a role of B vitamins, either because the number of studies on B vitamins is too limited (pregnant and lactating women and children) or the studies are not consistent (adults and elderly). For n-3 PUFA, observational evidence may be suggestive of a beneficial effect; however, this has not yet been sufficiently replicated in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). CONCLUSIONS: We found that the existing evidence from observational studies as well as RCTs is generally too limited and contradictory to draw firm conclusions. More research is needed, particularly a combination of good-quality long-term prospective studies and well-designed RCTs.

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Crossref · 10.1159/000337945

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Authors
van de Rest, O., van Hooijdonk, L. W. A., Doets, E., Schiepers, O. J. G., Eilander, A., & de Groot, L. C. P. G. M.
Affiliations
  • Wageningen University & Research (NL)
  • Maastricht University (NL)
  • Unilever Research and Development Vlaardingen (NL)
Venue
Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism
Publisher
S. Karger AG
Published
2012
Volume
60
Issue
4
Pages
272-292
ISSN
  • 0250-6807 (ISSN-L)
  • 1421-9697
OpenAlex
W1995252406
Cited by
70
References
168
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 2 · 2020: 5 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 8 · 2016: 9 · 2015: 6 · 2014: 10 · 2013: 7
FWCI
0.90
Type
journal article
Language
en
Locations
  • Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Research Publications (Maastricht University) (publishedVersion, other-oa)
  • Socio-Environmental Systems Modeling (acceptedVersion)
  • Research Publications (Maastricht University) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Fatty Acid Research and Health
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Rheumatology › Folate and B Vitamins Research
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Nutritional Studies and Diet
Keywords
B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, brain development, brain function, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12, depression, nutrient status, pregnancy, lactation, children, older adults, observational studies, randomized controlled trials
MeSH terms
Brain, Clinical Trials as Topic, Folic Acid, Humans, Nutritional Status, Vitamin B Complex, Vitamin B 12, Fatty Acids, Omega-3, Dietary Supplements, Vitamin B 6

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