Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/8314
Title: Digit span improvement following long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation: A preliminary study
Contributor(s): Hanstock, Tanya (author); Hinreth, SJ (author); Hazell, PL (author); Kable, CJ (author); Clayton, EH (author)
Publication Date: 2010
DOI: 10.4066/AMJ.2010.209
Handle Link: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/8314
Abstract: Background: Neurocognitive deficits are reported in participants with juvenile Bipolar Disorder (JBD) including digit span. Digit span is an indicator of short-term auditory memory, working memory, concentration and attention. Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn-3PUFA) are important to brain development and functioning, however, their effects on neurocognitive function are not clear. Objective: To examine the effectiveness of LCn-PUFA supplementation on digit span ability in children and adolescents with JBD. Design: Fifteen participants with JBD (9-18 yr) consumed LCn-3PUFA supplements containing 360 mg day-1 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 1560 mg day-1 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for 6 weeks in an open-label preliminary study. Digit span and red blood cell (RBC) LCn-3PUFA concentrations were assessed prior to and following supplementation. Outcomes: Digit Backwards (2.3 ± 0.45 vs 3.2 ± 0.46, p = 0.010) and Scaled Overall Digit Span (11.1 ± 0.70 vs 12.1 ± 0.72, p = 0.046) significantly improved following supplementation. RBC DHA was significantly positively correlated to longest digit span backwards (r = 0.84, p < 0.001) and overall digit span scaled scores (r = 0.62, p = 0.010). Conclusions: Supplementation with LCn-3PUFA was associated with improvements in neurocognitive functioning. Further studies should examine other neuropsychological outcomes in a larger sample in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) and whether cognitive deficits associated with JBD can be prevented.
Publication Type: Journal Article
Source of Publication: Australasian Medical Journal, 3(1), p. 131-131
Publisher: Australasian Medical Journal Pty Ltd
Place of Publication: Australia
ISSN: 1836-1935
Fields of Research (FoR) 2008: 170106 Health, Clinical and Counselling Psychology
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2008: 920410 Mental Health
HERDC Category Description: C4 Letter of Note
Appears in Collections:Journal Article

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