The role of Omega-3 docosapentaenoic acid in pregnancy and early development

Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, 22:5n-3) is normally present in small quantities in marine products. Metabolically, it can directly convert to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) and retro-convert into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3), suggesting that it may serve as a reservoir for these fatty acids in human body. Among other biological functions, DPA serves a precursor to anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving mediators. Further, either consumption of DPA or its blood levels are associated with positive human health outcomes, and in vitro and in vivo models have confirmed and highlighted DPA's biological role in mammals. Because the role of DHA in prenatal and postnatal development is well known, most infant formulas are now supplemented with DHA. Although human breast milk contains significant levels of DHA, importantly, its levels of DPA are comparable. Despite this, the importance of DPA in infant and maternal health is less recognized. Our review highlights that DPA intake (often along with EPA and DHA) by lactating mothers is linked to better neural development and bone health of children. Additionally, blood levels of DPA in mothers are associated with fewer allergic diseases such as asthma, rhinitis, and eczema in children and mothers. The daily dietary intake of DPA in breast-fed infants in various populations ranges from 5.1 to 44.6mg/kg body weight, which would translate to 357-3122mg/d for a 70-kg adult. The reported health effects of DPA suggest it may be beneficial to increase the intake of DPA during prenatal and early postnatal life stages. Practical applications: This paper reviewed all research articles related with DPA health benefits in human development and summarized the potential function of DPA in human during pregnancy and early development. In vitro and in vivo studies both indicated that DPA has important biological role in mammals. The fact that DPA is high in human breast milk shows the potential biological function of DPA in infant development. The authors recommend infant formula manufacturers to consider adding DPA to infant food and encourage researchers to conduct human clinical studies to further prove the biological function of DPA in human development.