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ARS Home » Plains Area » Houston, Texas » Children's Nutrition Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #215087
Title: Supplementation of orange juice with docosahexaenoic acid improves plasma phospholipid DHA content of children

Author
item HAWTHORNE, KELI - BAYLOR COLLEGE MED
item Abrams, Steven
item Heird, William

Submitted to: Pediatric Academic Society
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/18/2007
Publication Date: 5/8/2007
Citation: Hawthorne, K.M., Abrams, S.A., Heird, W.C. 2007. Supplementation of orange juice with docosahexaenoic acid improves plasma phospholipid DHA content of children [abstract]. Pediatric Academic Societies Annual Meeting, May 5-8, 2007, Toronto, Canada. Abstract No. 8431.5. Available: http://www.abstracts2view.com/pas/view.php?nu=PAS07L1_2402.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a long-chain, polyunsaturated fatty acid that is important for brain and retinal development. Its principal dietary source in children is fish. Since many children have a low fish intake, there is concern that they do not receive adequate DHA. In older children, it may also positively affect attention skills. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of 6 wks consumption of 180mL orange juice supplemented with either 50 mg/d or 100 mg/d of algal-based DHA on the plasma phospholipid (PL) DHA content of 4- to 6-year-old and 7- to 12-year-old children. Healthy children aged between 4 and 6y (n=16) and 7 and 12y (n=15) with low dietary fish intake were assigned randomly to consume 180 mL/d of orange juice supplemented with either 50 mg or 100 mg DHA for 6 wks. PL DHA content was measured at baseline and at 6 wks. Baseline plasma PL DHA content was similar in all groups, and comparable to young infants fed unsupplemented formula but lower than observed in breast-fed infants. Plasma PL DHA content increased significantly following 6 wks of DHA, but plasma PL DHA content was higher in those children who received 100 mg/d DHA than in those receiving 50 mg/d. Plasma PL DHA content of 4- to 6-y-old and 7- to 12-y-old children is lower than observed in breast-fed infants. In both age groups, orange juice (180 mL/d) supplemented with 50 or 100 mg DHA was well-tolerated and led to 40-50% and 50-70% higher plasma PL DHA contents, respectively. DHA-supplemented juice may be an effective means of enhancing DHA intake of children.