Publications
294 results found
Crawford MA, Sinclair AJ, Hall B, et al., 2023, The imperative of arachidonic acid in human reproduction., Prog Lipid Res
We are presenting new evidence on essential fatty acids (EFA) in prenatal human development. We have demonstrated, for the first time, the detailed process of active selection of some fatty acids by the placenta (biomagnification) and rejection of others (bioreduction) and how this strategy is of supreme importance for understanding of the biology of human reproduction. The biomagnification process by the placenta is dominated by arachidonic acid (ArA) and its allies: di-homo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), adrenic acid and ω6 docosapentaenoic acid. Stearic acid is similarly bio-magnified which is likely to provide for the sn-1 position in membrane synthesis. In contrast there is a bioreduction of oleic, linoleic and all ω3 precursors for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Although DHA is biomagnified, the amplification from mother to fetus is small compared to ArA. We report on the dominant compartmentalisation of ArA from mother to fetal plasma, cell membranes of red cells, mono-nuclear cells, endothelium and the placenta. We conclude that ArA and its allies, play a paramount role in the development of the products of conception. It is plausible that inadequate provision of ArA may be relevant to the neuro-vascular complications of prematurity and neurodevelopmental disorders associated with premature birth. We present evidence of ArA's universal role from an identical arachidonic acid-based strategy observed in contrasting cultures. The dominance of ArA in the prenatal and in post-natal nutritional provision by human milk makes a compelling case for re-evaluation of its role, especially in reproductive biology.
Crawford MA, Schmidt WF, Broadhurst CL, et al., 2021, Lipids in the origin of intracellular detail and speciation in the Cambrian epoch and the significance of the last double bond of docosahexaenoic acid in cell signaling, PROSTAGLANDINS LEUKOTRIENES AND ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS, Vol: 166, ISSN: 0952-3278
- Author Web Link
- Cite
- Citations: 5
Ogundipe E, Tusor N, Wang Y, et al., 2018, Randomized controlled trial of brain specific fatty acid supplementation in pregnant women increases brain volumes on MRI scans of their newborn infants, PROSTAGLANDINS LEUKOTRIENES AND ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS, Vol: 138, Pages: 6-13, ISSN: 0952-3278
- Author Web Link
- Cite
- Citations: 19
Crawford MA, Thabet M, Wang Y, et al., 2018, A theory on the role of pi-electrons of docosahexaenoic acid in brain function. The six methylene-interrupted double bonds and the precision of neural signaling, OCL-OILSEEDS AND FATS CROPS AND LIPIDS, Vol: 25, ISSN: 1258-8210
- Author Web Link
- Cite
- Citations: 3
Crawford MA, Thabet M, Wang Y, 2018, An introduction to a theory on the role of pi-electrons of docosahexaenoic acid in brain function - The Quantum Brain, OCL - Oilseeds and fats, crops and lipids, Vol: 25, ISSN: 1258-8210
In Part I, we discuss the background to views on brain function and our thesis that it is conducted by π-electrons which perform sensory reception, memory, action, cognition and consciousness. Our thesis is consistent with the classical views of ion movement and synaptic protein strengthening. However, protein based views contain no element of precision for the signal. Precision is essential for true signal transduction of sensory input and the faithful execution of learnt neural pathways. In Part II, we incorporate these principles to discuss the mechanism whereby electron function adds precision of signal energy to the process through the Pauli Exclusion Principle. The Huxley-Hodgkin (HH) account of neural function describes the movement of sodium, potassium and calcium ions to create electrochemical potentials across membranes with well-established mathematical and experimental support. To explain learning, consciousness and perception, others have claimed brain function depends on protein synthesis or RNA coding. Some consider super position and collapse as the computational mechanism. This however is fragile with no mechanism described to protect from natural collapse and decoherence at the temperatures of the brain. A novel approach was adopted by Penrose and Hammeroff who describe consciousness as a function of ʻobjective reduction’ (ʻOR’) of the quantum state. This orchestrated OR activity (ʻOrch OR’) is taken to result in moments of conscious awareness and/or choice (Hameroff S, Penrose R. 2014 Consciousness in the universe: a review of the ʻOrch OR’ theory. Phys Life Rev 11(1): 39–78. Doi: 10.1016/j.plrev.2013.08.002. Epub 2013 Aug 20). Orch-OR operates in principle in protein tubules of neurons. This concept is non-computational and has received much attention with a convincing advocacy and its share of criticism. The advocacy includes the fossil record of organisms that emerged throughout the first Cambrian period with on
Stark AH, Reifen R, Crawford MA, 2016, Past and Present Insights on Alpha-linolenic Acid and the Omega-3 Fatty Acid Family., Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr, Vol: 56, Pages: 2261-2267
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is the parent essential fatty acid of the omega-3 family. This family includes docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which has been conserved in neural signaling systems in the cephalopods, fish, amphibian, reptiles, birds, mammals, primates, and humans. This extreme conservation, in spite of wide genomic changes of over 500 million years, testifies to the uniqueness of this molecule in the brain and affirms the importance of omega-3 fatty acids. While DHA and its close precursor, eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA), have received much attention by the research community, ALA, as the precursor of both, has been considered of little interest. There are many papers on ALA requirements in experimental animals. Unlike humans, rats and mice can readily convert ALA to EPA and DHA, so it is unclear whether the effect is solely due to the conversion products or to ALA itself. The intrinsic role of ALA has yet to be defined. This paper will discuss both recent and historical findings related to this distinctive group of fatty acids, and will highlight the physiological significance of the omega-3 family.
Ogundipe E, Johnson MR, Wang Y, et al., 2016, Peri-conception maternal lipid profiles predict pregnancy outcomes, Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, Vol: 114, Pages: 35-43, ISSN: 0952-3278
In this study, healthy women and those at high-risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes (pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, gestational diabetes) were selected to assess the effect of fatty acid supplementation. The purpose of this paper is to report two novel findings (i) at recruitment the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) for erythrocyte oleic acid predicted spontaneous delivery at 34 weeks gestation (ROC=0.926 n=296) for all women entering the study. Further analysis revealed oleic and all monounsaturated fatty acids were similarly predictive with or without a supplement during the pregnancy. (ii) At delivery, we observed a biomagnification of saturated fatty acids from mother to fetus with the reverse for monounsaturates. The major conclusions are (i) the status of the mother in the months prior to conception is a stronger predictor of preterm delivery than the events during the pregnancy. (ii) Saturated fats may be playing an important function in supporting fetal membrane growth.
Crawford MA, Wang Y, Forsyth S, et al., 2015, The European Food Safety Authority recommendation for polyunsaturated fatty acid composition of infant formula overrules breast milk, puts infants at risk, and should be revised, PROSTAGLANDINS LEUKOTRIENES AND ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS, Vol: 102, Pages: 1-3, ISSN: 0952-3278
- Author Web Link
- Cite
- Citations: 35
Matsudaira T, Gow RV, Kelly J, et al., 2015, Biochemical and Psychological Effects of Omega-3/6 Supplements in Male Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Trial., J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol, Vol: 25, Pages: 775-782
BACKGROUND: An abnormality in long chain-polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) levels has been implicated in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Studies evaluating LC-PUFA supplementation for therapeutic efficacy in ADHD have shown mixed and, therefore, inconclusive results. METHODS: Seventy-six male adolescents (age 12-16 years, mean = 13.7) with ADHD were assessed for the effects of 12 weeks omega-3 and omega-6 supplements on biochemical and psychological outcomes in a randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. The primary outcome measure was change in the Conners' Teacher Rating Scales (CTRS) following 12 weeks of supplementation of LC-PUFA or placebo. At baseline, the placebo and treatment groups had comparable levels of LC-PUFA as measured by red blood cell phosphatidylcholine. In the treatment group, supplementation enhanced eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and total omega-3 fatty acid levels. RESULTS: No superiority of LC-PUFAs to placebo was observed on the primary outcome. Further, there were no reliable treatment effects on aggression, impulsivity, depression, and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Future studies should use larger sample sizes and longer supplementation period to detect small-modest effects for clinical recommendations in ADHD.
Bueno AA, Brand A, Neville MM, et al., 2015, Erythrocyte phospholipid molecular species and fatty acids of Down syndrome children compared with non-affected siblings, BRITISH JOURNAL OF NUTRITION, Vol: 113, Pages: 72-81, ISSN: 0007-1145
- Author Web Link
- Open Access Link
- Cite
- Citations: 11
Cunnane SC, Crawford MA, 2014, Energetic and nutritional constraints on infant brain development: Implications for brain expansion during human evolution, JOURNAL OF HUMAN EVOLUTION, Vol: 77, Pages: 88-98, ISSN: 0047-2484
- Author Web Link
- Cite
- Citations: 81
Crawford MA, Broadhurst CL, Cunnane S, et al., 2014, Nutritional Armor in Evolution: Docosahexaenoic Acid as a Determinant of Neural, Evolution and Hominid Brain Development, Military Medicine, Vol: 179, Pages: 61-75, ISSN: 1930-613X
Crawford MA, Broadhurst CL, Guest M, et al., 2014, A quantum theory for the irreplaceable role of docosahexaenoic acid in neural cell signalling throughout evolution (vol 88, pg 5, 2013), PROSTAGLANDINS LEUKOTRIENES AND ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS, Vol: 91, Pages: 233-233, ISSN: 0952-3278
- Author Web Link
- Cite
- Citations: 1
Brenna JT, Burdge GC, Crawford MA, et al., 2014, RE: Plasma Phospholipid Fatty Acids and Prostate Cancer Risk in the SELECT Trial, JNCI-JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE, Vol: 106, ISSN: 0027-8874
- Author Web Link
- Cite
- Citations: 5
Crawford MA, Hussein I, Nyuar KB, et al., 2014, The global crisis in brain nutrition and the rise in mental-ill health, Human Evolution, Vol: 29, Pages: 207-227, ISSN: 0393-9375
H. sapiens is defined by a large, complex brain. Our genome is 96% identical to that of the chimpanzee, yet our behavior is 96% different. Cerebral expansion cannot be explained by an origin on the African savannah, as expansion requires docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and trace elements such as iodine, selenium, copper, zinc and manganese, all of which are concentrated in the aquatic food webs. These brain-specific nutrients are in poor supply inland, as witnessed by the 2 billion today at risk of iodine deficiency and mental retardation. This century we are seeing a rise in obesity, metabolic syndrome and mental ill-health, especially amongst young people. The rise in mental ill-health is closely following the previous trend for increased cardiovascular disease, moving from the US and EU towards developing countries. The health audits in the EU and UK have put the cost of brain disorders and mental illhealth higher than any other burden of ill health. In the UK, the Department of Health has estimated the cost to be greater than heart disease and cancer combined. Mental ill-health is now predicted to reach the top three in the ranking of the worldwide burdens of ill-health in 6 years' time. This trend cannot be reversed unless the amount of specialist lipid nutrients, especially required by the brain for its growth, structure and function, is increased in global diets. Similarly, reversing poverty and malnutrition requires more attention on increasing brain-specific nutrients, than protein and calories. Evolution does not stand still. The rise in mental ill-health is related to intensive land agriculture and highly processed foods, providing diets nearly devoid of DHA and its accessory micronutrients. If the upward trend in mental ill health continues throughout this century then prosperous, peaceful, cooperative societies will become unreachable for most humans. Increasing mental ill-health represents a serious threat to humanity because it amounts to human de-evolutio
Gow RV, Vallee-Tourangeau F, Crawford MA, et al., 2013, Omega-3 fatty acids are inversely related to callous and unemotional traits in adolescent boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, PROSTAGLANDINS LEUKOTRIENES AND ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS, Vol: 88, Pages: 411-418, ISSN: 0952-3278
- Author Web Link
- Cite
- Citations: 20
Gow RV, Sumich A, Vallee-Tourangeau F, et al., 2013, Omega-3 fatty acids are related to abnormal emotion processing in adolescent boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, PROSTAGLANDINS LEUKOTRIENES AND ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS, Vol: 88, Pages: 419-429, ISSN: 0952-3278
- Author Web Link
- Cite
- Citations: 12
Daak AA, Ghebremeskel K, Hassan Z, et al., 2013, Reply to UN Das., Am J Clin Nutr, Vol: 97, Pages: 1416-1417
Sumich AL, Matsudaira T, Heasman B, et al., 2013, Fatty acid correlates of temperament in adolescent boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder., Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids, Vol: 88, Pages: 431-436
Atypical fatty acid metabolism has been reported in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), however, its relationship with temperament in this population is unclear. The current study investigated the association between blood levels of fatty acids implicated in brain structure and function (omega-3, omega-6, omega-9) and personality traits of stability (neuroticism, conscientiousness and agreeableness) and plasticity (extraversion and openness). Twenty right-handed adolescent boys with ADHD completed a self-report NEO-FFI personality questionnaire, and had fatty acid content assessed from red blood using gas chromatography. Pearson's correlations showed no significant associations between omega-3 levels and personality. After correction for multiple comparisons, Adrenic Acid (C22:4n6) was inversely associated with stability. Oleic acid (C18:1n9) was positively associated with plasticity. Results are in line with a role of fatty acids in brain function. They suggest that those fatty acids that are involved in myelination (Adrenic, Oleic) have the strongest associations with temperament in adolescents with ADHD.
Crawford MA, Wang Y, Forsyth S, et al., 2013, New European Food Safety Authority recommendation for infant formulae contradicts the physiology of human milk and infant development., Nutr Health, Vol: 22, Pages: 81-87, ISSN: 0260-1060
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has concluded from a limited review of the literature that although docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was required for infant formula, arachidonic acid was not 'even in the presence of DHA'. The EFSA report mistakes a nutrient ubiquitous in the diets of infants, and with wide-ranging effects, for an optional drug targeted to a particular outcome that is properly excluded when no benefit is found for that particular outcome. The EFSA's conclusion is not evidence-based. Its conclusions are grounded in trials which tested functionality of DHA, not arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid has very different biological functions, for instance, in the vasculature and in specific aspects of immunity. None of the trials cited tested any property specific to arachidonic acid. The test of time through natural selection and human evolution has resulted in milk composition in which arachidonic acid and its long-chain polyenoic family members are conserved and occupy a prominent position. As DHA suppresses arachidonic acid, an infant formula with DHA and no arachidonic acid runs the risk of cardio- and cerebrovascular morbidity through suppression of the favourable eicosanoid derivatives of arachidonic acid and cell structural integrity. The EFSA recommendation should be rejected forthwith as unsafe and risking lifelong disability.
Crawford MA, Broadhurst CL, Guest M, et al., 2013, A quantum theory for the irreplaceable role of docosahexaenoic acid in neural cell signalling throughout evolution, PROSTAGLANDINS LEUKOTRIENES AND ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS, Vol: 88, Pages: 5-13, ISSN: 0952-3278
- Author Web Link
- Cite
- Citations: 59
Crawford MA, 2013, Diet and cancer and heart disease., Nutr Health, Vol: 22, Pages: 67-78, ISSN: 0260-1060
The modern Western diet bears little resemblance to the diet which forged the human genome over many million years. The change in basic food structure is operating to distort biology even before conception and into late years, with the epidemic of obesity and diabetes likely to lead to stroke, heart disease, and now dementia, being flagged as a consequence. In addition, mental ill health is overtaking all other burdens of ill health, and almost certainly has its roots in early disturbance of brain development. Whilst lifestyle will be playing its part, there can be little doubt that the common denominator is the aberrations in food development, predominantly in the last century. It seems it is time to reassess food policy. The principle of food production should be nutrition and human health. The globalisation of a food structure linked to such disorders and their appearance globally in response asks that steps be taken to protect other countries from making the same mistakes.
Daak AA, Ghebremeskel K, Hassan Z, et al., 2013, Effect of omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid supplementation in patients with sickle cell anemia: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial., Am J Clin Nutr, Vol: 97, Pages: 37-44
BACKGROUND: Blood cell aggregation and adherence to vascular endothelium and inflammation play a central role in vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell disease. The antiaggregatory, antiadhesive, antiinflammatory, and vasodilatory omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids (DHA and EPA) are significantly reduced in patients with the disease. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate the therapeutic potential of omega-3 fatty acids for patients with homozygous sickle cell disease in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. DESIGN: One hundred forty patients recruited from a single center in Sudan were randomly assigned and received, daily, 1 (age 2-4 y), 2 (age 5-10 y), 3 (age 11-16 y), or 4 (age ≥17 y) omega-3 capsules containing 277.8 mg DHA and 39.0 mg EPA or placebo for 1 y. Of these patients, 128 were followed up and the data were obtained. The primary and secondary endpoints-rates of clinical vaso-occlusive crisis and hemolytic events, blood transfusion rate, school attendance, and blood count-were analyzed by intention-to-treat analysis (n = 140). RESULTS: Omega-3 treatment reduced the median rate of clinical vaso-occlusive events (0 compared with 1.0 per year, P < 0.0001), severe anemia (3.2% compared with 16.4%; P < 0.05), blood transfusion (4.5% compared with 16.4%; P < 0.05), white blood cell count (14.4 ± 3.3 compared with 15.6 ± 4.0 ×10(3)/μL; P < 0.05), and the OR of the inability to attend school at least once during the study period because of illness related to the disease to 0.4 (95% CI: 0.2, 0.9; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings of this trial, which need to be verified in a large multicenter study, suggest that omega-3 fatty acids can be an effective, safe, and affordable therapy for sickle cell anemia. This trial was registered with Current Controlled Trials as ISRCTN80844630.
Crawford MA, 2013, Non-communicable diseases, mental ill-health: Is it a failure of the food system?, Nutr Health, Vol: 22, Pages: 171-179, ISSN: 0260-1060
The rise in brain disorders and mental ill-health is the most serious crisis facing the survival of humanity. Starting from an understanding of the origins of the nervous system and the brain, together with its nutritional requirements, the present direction of the food system since World War II (WWII) can be seen as departing from the biological essence of brain chemistry and its nutritional needs. Such advances in the food system would lead to epigenetic changes. Improper maternal/foetal nutrition is considered in this manner to lead to heart disease, stroke and diabetes in later life. Is there any reason why the brain would not be similarly susceptible to a nutritional background departing from its specific needs? The changing food system likely bears responsibility for the rise in mental ill health that has now overtaken all other burdens of ill health. Its globalisation is threatening civil society.
Crawford MA, 2012, The crisis in nutrition and poverty., Nutr Health, Vol: 21, Pages: 205-208, ISSN: 0260-1060
Neville MM, Geppert J, Min Y, et al., 2012, Dietary fat intake, body composition and blood lipids of university men and women., Nutr Health, Vol: 21, Pages: 173-185, ISSN: 0260-1060
BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease rates are high in the U.K., particular in men, and are related to dietary fat intake. We conducted a pilot study to investigate relationships between saturated and unsaturated dietary fat intakes, body composition and blood lipid parameters in Caucasian men and women at university. METHODS: Volunteers (52 men and 52 women; age range 20-50 years) were recruited from staff and students of London Metropolitan University. Dietary intake, body composition, blood pressure and fasting blood glucose and lipids were assessed. Gender differences between the measured variables and their relationships were assessed by Mann-Whitney U-test, and by multi-linear (stepwise) regression, respectively. RESULTS: Men consumed more saturated fat (29.5 vs. 20.5 g/day, p < 0.001), and had elevated levels of glucose (5.34 + 0.74 vs. 4.85 + 0.49 mmol/l, p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (2.99 + 1.5 vs. 2.62+ 0.74 mmol/l, p < 0.05), systolic blood pressure (126.4 + 11.0 vs. 112.6 + 17.2 mm/Hg, p < 0.001), and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (1.41 ± 0.34 vs. 1.83 ± 0.43, p < 0.001). Saturated fat was positively associated with total body fat ( p < 0.05), trunk fat ( p < 0.001), HDL cholesterol ( p < 0.05) and systolic blood pressure ( p < 0.001) in women, while in men docosahexaenoic acid and total cholesterol ( p < 0.05), total omega-3 fatty acids and LDL cholesterol ( p < 0.001), total omega-3 fatty acids and triglycerides ( p < 0.01) were positively related. Similar n-3 fatty acid intakes were reported in nutritionally aware students and other university subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The data of this study indicate gender-related differences in response to dietary fat, and widespread low compliance with n-3 fatty acid recommendations. Although the men are highly health conscious and physically active, their blood lipid levels are indicative of a risk of cardiovascular disease. I
Msika O, Brand A, Crawford MA, et al., 2012, NGF blocks polyunsaturated fatty acids biosynthesis in n-3 fatty acid-supplemented PC12 cells., Biochim Biophys Acta, Vol: 1821, Pages: 1022-1030, ISSN: 0006-3002
Regulation of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) biosynthesis in proliferating and NGF-differentiated PC12 pheochromocytoma cells deficient in n-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA 22:6n-3) was studied. A dose- and time-dependent increase in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, 22:5n-3) and DHA in phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn) and phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) glycerophospholipids (GPL) via the elongation/desaturation pathway following alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3) supplements was observed. That was accompanied by a marked reduction of eicosatrienoic acid (Mead acid 20:3n-9), an index of PUFA deficiency. EPA supplements were equally effective converted to 22:5n-3 and 22:6n-3. On the other hand, supplements of linoleic acid (LNA, 18:2n-6) were not effectively converted into higher n-6 PUFA intermediates nor did they impair elongation/desaturation of ALA. Co-supplements of DHA along with ALA did not interfere with 20:5n-3 biosynthesis but reduced further elongation to 22-hydrocarbon PUFA intermediates. A marked decrease in the newly synthesized 22:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 following ALA or EPA supplements was observed after nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced differentiation. NGF also inhibited the last step in 22:5n-6 formation from LNA. These results emphasize the importance of overcoming n-3 PUFA deficiency and raise the possibility that growth factor regulation of the last step in PUFA biosynthesis may constitute an important feature of neuronal phenotype acquisition.
Nyuar KB, Khalil AKH, Crawford MA, 2012, Dietary intake of Sudanese women: a comparative assessment of nutrient intake of displaced and non-displaced women., Nutr Health, Vol: 21, Pages: 131-144, ISSN: 0260-1060
OBJECTIVES: To determine the daily intake of essential micro- and macronutrients in Sudanese women, with specific focus on dietary fat and essential fatty acids, and compare the dietary intakes of internally displaced women with those of the non-displaced population. METHODS: Dietary intakes of displaced southern (n=44) and non-displaced southern (n=30) and northern (n=39) Sudanese women were obtained by single 24-hour recall method, and daily nutrient intakes were calculated using 'Foodbase' nutritional software. The displaced women were recruited from Mayo and Soba Aradi camps, south of Khartoum city; and non-displaced southern and northern Sudanese women were recruited from antenatal clinics, universities, hospitals and the community in Khartoum city and Omdurman, Sudan. RESULTS: Carbohydrates provided over 60% of dietary energy for all the Sudanese women groups. The displaced women had significantly lower intake of energy (1744 ± 344 kcal/d), starch (p<0.001) and carbohydrates (312 ± 11 g/d, p<0.01) than both non-displaced southern (1972 ± 229 kcal/d energy, 358 ± 56 g/d carbohydrates) and northern Sudanese women (1988 ± 226 kcal/d energy, 357 ± 56g/d carbohydrates). Fat intake was also lower in the displaced group (34.1 ± 11.9 g/d) than in the non-displaced counterpart (38.5 ± 10.2 g/d) (p<0.05), but was not significantly different from northern Sudanese women (37.6 ± 10.6, p>0.05). Intakes of iodine (33.60-56.96 µg/d), zinc (7.12-9.92 mg/d), retinol (226.1-349.7 µg/d), riboflavin (0.44-0.70 mg/d) and docosahexaenoic acid (11.70-33.49 mg/d) amongst Sudanese women were very low compared with recommendations. CONCLUSION: The Sudanese diet was less diverse and differences in energy and nutrients intakes between groups were due to the amounts of food consumed. This view is supported by a lack of significant differences when intakes were expressed as proportion of whole energy bet
Crawford MA, 2012, Pregnancy/Maternity and Child Development: The Challenge to Meet the Needs for the Brain and Sustainability of Homo Sapiens, ANNALS OF NUTRITION AND METABOLISM, Vol: 61, Pages: 323-323, ISSN: 0250-6807
Crawford MA, Broadhurst CL, 2012, The role of docosahexaenoic and the marine food web as determinants of evolution and hominid brain development: the challenge for human sustainability., Nutr Health, Vol: 21, Pages: 17-39, ISSN: 0260-1060
Life originated on this planet about 3 billion years ago. For the first 2.5 billion years of life there was ample opportunity for DNA modification. Yet there is no evidence of significant change in life forms during that time. It was not until about 600 million years ago, when the oxygen tension rose to a point where air-breathing life forms became thermodynamically possible, that a major change can be abruptly seen in the fossil record. The sudden appearance of the 32 phyla in the Cambrian fossil record was also associated with the appearance of intracellular detail not seen in previous life forms. That detail was provided by cell membranes made with lipids (membrane fats) as structural essentials. Lipids thus played a major, as yet unrecognised, role as determinants in evolution. The compartmentalisation of intracellular, specialist functions as in the nucleus, mitochondria, reticulo-endothelial system and plasma membrane led to cellular specialisation and then speciation. Thus, not only oxygen but also the marine lipids were drivers in the Cambrian explosion. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (all-cis-docosa-4,7,10,13,16,19-hexaenoic acid, C22:6ω3 or C22:6, n-3, DHA) is a major feature of marine lipids. It requires six oxygen atoms to insert its six double bonds, so it would not have been abundant before oxidative metabolism became plentiful. DHA provided the membrane backbone for the emergence of new photoreceptors that converted photons into electricity, laying the foundation for the evolution of other signalling systems, the nervous system and the brain. Hence, the ω3 DHA from the marine food web must have played a critical role in human evolution. There is also clear evidence from molecular biology that DHA is a determinant of neuronal migration, neurogenesis and the expression of several genes involved in brain growth and function. That same process was essential to the ultimate cerebral expansion in human evolution. There is now incontrovertible suppor
This data is extracted from the Web of Science and reproduced under a licence from Thomson Reuters. You may not copy or re-distribute this data in whole or in part without the written consent of the Science business of Thomson Reuters.