A Perinatal Strategy For Preventing Adult Disease: The Role Of Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

This book proposes that fetal growth retardation and low-grade systemic inflammation can be prevented by perinatal supplementation of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs). Evidence for this hypothesis is presented and discussed in detail, along with possible mechanisms by which these substances produce beneficial actions. Finally, it is suggested that provision of adequate amounts of LCPUFAs during the perinatal period prevents insulin resistance, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, CHD, and Alzheimer's disease in the adult. Means of testing the hypothesis are also presented. Thus, the book suggests a simple and novel method of preventing diseases that are increasing in incidence in both the developed and developing worlds. Front Matter....Pages i-ix Introduction....Pages 1-3 Perinatal origins of adult disease....Pages 5-32 Perinatal origins of adult disease....Pages 33-48 Perinatal origins of adult disease....Pages 49-54 Perinatal origins of adult disease....Pages 55-60 Metabolic Syndrome X and low-grade systemic inflammation....Pages 61-93 Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in adult diseases: A hypothesis....Pages 95-112 Breast-feeding....Pages 113-134 Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids....Pages 135-174 A perinatal strategy to prevent adult diseases: The role of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids....Pages 175-187 Back Matter....Pages 189-192