Work

Effect of Omega 3 supplementation during pregnancy and lactation on cognitive functions in rat offspring

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: AIM: This study investigates the effects of omega-3 supplementation starting in the preconception period, during the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd weeks of pregnancy, and lactation on the cognitive functions of rat offspring. METHODS: The study involved 30 mother rats divided into a test group receiving 400 mg/kg/day omega-3 supplementation via oral gavage and a control group with no supplementation. Omega-3 supplementation began at different stages for each group and continued through the lactation period (21 days). Two male pups from each mother, for a total of 60 pups, were tested for cognitive function at 45 days using the Morris Water Maze to assess spatial learning and reference memory. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between groups in initial weights, pre-mating weights, pre-birth weights, number of pups, and gestation duration (p < 0.05), but not in weight gain during pregnancy (p > 0.05). The time to find the platform on test days 1 and 2 was significantly different between groups (p < 0.05). Differences in platform-finding times across trials were also significant (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was found in the probe test on day 5 (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Initiating omega-3 supplementation during the early stages of pregnancy may be more effective for both short-term and long-term memory.

Source: PLoS ONE

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0319457

Authors: Hande Nur Onur Öztürk, Perim Fatma Türker

Institutions: İstanbul Gelişim Üniversitesi, Başkent University, Acıbadem University

Language: English

Topic: Fatty Acid Research and Health

Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,382