mode of feeding and its impact on visual and neural maturation at 6 months of age

The role of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the function of the brain and retina is an area of active research. Docosahexaenoic acid was reported to exert a beneficial effect on neuronal maturation and visual development in breastfed infants. The formation of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids [LC-PUFAs] from the parent essential patty acids in early life is limited, thus infants are dependent on the exogenous provision of LC-PUFAs from human milk or supplemented formula. The objective of this analytical cross sectional study is to further delineate the mode of feeding and its impact on visual and neural maturation of term infants at 6 months of age, and to assess the influence of various socioeconomic and demographic factors upon this process. This work was conducted on 40 infants [26 males and 14 females], their ages ranged from 22 to 26 weeks with a mean of 23.88 +/- 1.5 weeks. They were recruited from the general, neonatal, and breastfeeding clinics at Center for Social and Preventive Medicine [CSPM], Cairo University. Proper history taking, thorough clinical examination, and neurophysiologic studies including flash visual evoked potential [FVEP], and brain stem auditory evoked potential [BAEP] were done for all infants. According to their mode of feeding, infants were divided into 2 groups: Group A, consisted of 20 infants with exclusive breastfeeding, and Group B, consisted of 20 infants with complementary feeding. Results revealed that the visual and neural functions were relatively more mature in the exclusively breastfed infants when compared to the complementary-fed infants, although the differences didn't reach statistically significant levels in the majority of test results. In addition, better results in favor of the first and second birth orders were obtained in most test results, but again they didn't reach statistically significant differences in most tests. There were no or weak relevant associations between the results of the neurophysiologic studies and baseline characteristics of our infants. In conclusion, FVEP and BAEP were more mature in exclusively breastfed infants relative to complementary-fed infants at B months of age, and thus exploring the advantage of breast milk In earlier development and maturation of visual and neural functions than complementary feds during early life. Our results support the World Health Assembly resolution, 2002 of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life

Polyunsaturated fatty acids and lipid profile in asthmatic Egyptian Children

The profile of polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFAs] as well as other lipid parameters were studied in 53 Egyptian children [32 males and 21 females], their ages ranged from 4-10 years. The children were divided into 2 groups: asthmatic group [n=33] and non asthmatic healthy group [n=20]. The asthmatic group was subdivided according to the new GINA guidelines into 2 groups: children with mild persistent asthma [n=16] and children with moderate and severe asthma [n=17]. Mean levels of both serum IgE and malondialdehyde showed significant increase in asthmatic children above that of the normal control children. Also, lipid profile showed significantly increased mean levels of each of total cholesterol, LDL, and phospholipids in asthmatics above those of the non asthmatic control group. However the results of triglycerides and HDL mean levels were almost similar to those of the control group. Although results of polyunsaturated fatty acids showed an increase in the mean level of omega 6 fatty acids [Linoleic and Arachidonic] in plasma of asthmatic children as compared to those of the non asthmatics, however, this increase was not significant [p=0.661]. On the other h and, omega 3 series mean levels were reduced in the asthmatic children as compared to those of the non asthmatics. The reduction was not significant [p=0.341] despite the significant reduction of docosahexaenoic acids alone. Ratios between total omega 6 [C18:2 6 + C20:4 6/total omega 3 [C18:3 3 + C22:6 3] as well as ratios between [C20:4 6]/C22:6 3] showed that the ratios were reduced for asthmatic children as compared to those of the non asthmatics; but the difference was not significant [p>0.05]. It is concluded from this study that Omega-6 fatty acids and Omega-3 fatty acids patterns may contribute to symptoms of asthma. So, dietary modification may help patients manage their asthma as well as improving their overall health. Moreover, in view of the current drug treatment regimes which are mainly palliative rather than curative, it appears logical to provide asthmatics with non-harmful approaches as an adjunct to their st and ard asthma care. Antioxidant supplementation may be a promising adjuvant therapy