Guarding Little Minds: Omega-3 Emulsion Shields Newborn Brains

▴ newborn brain health
The effectiveness of the experimental emulsion may be attributed to its faster absorption into the bloodstream, occurring twice as quickly as the commercial emulsion.

In a groundbreaking study, researchers at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons have discovered that an injectable emulsion containing omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil holds the potential to reduce brain damage in newborn rodents after oxygen deprivation during delivery.

Brain damage due to insufficient oxygen during labor and delivery is a severe complication affecting newborns, with significant implications for their future health. This condition, which impacts one to three out of every 1,000 live newborns in the US, can lead to cerebral palsy, cognitive impairment, epilepsy, pulmonary hypertension, and neurodevelopmental disorders among survivors.

The study's findings also revealed that this novel omega-3 preparation outperformed therapeutic hypothermia, the current standard therapy for oxygen deprivation-related brain damage in newborns. Therapeutic hypothermia, while approved by the FDA, only benefits about 15% of patients and carries the risk of heart and respiratory complications.

Previous research by Professor Richard Deckelbaum at Columbia University has shown that commercially available oral omega-3 supplements, while containing bioactive compounds, take weeks or months to exert their protective effects, making them less suitable for immediate organ protection after injury.

The new diglyceride formulation, however, is expected to facilitate rapid penetration of omega-3 molecules across the blood-brain barrier. Administered to week-old mice and rats with hypoxic brain injury, the experimental emulsion demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in brain damage compared to a commercially available omega-3 injectable emulsion, despite similar dosage levels.

The effectiveness of the experimental emulsion may be attributed to its faster absorption into the bloodstream, occurring twice as quickly as the commercial emulsion.

Notably, animals treated with the new therapy exhibited normal motor coordination and reflexes, indicating preserved neurological function akin to those without brain injuries.

According to Professor Deckelbaum, "The omega-3 diglyceride emulsion not only prevented brain cell death but also preserved neurological function, which is crucial in mitigating the burden of disabilities on both patient well-being and the healthcare system."

The researchers anticipate commencing clinical trials in newborns within two years, with plans to further investigate the therapy's efficacy in preventing central nervous system damage in animals with traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury. Additionally, they aim to explore its potential applications in other acute injuries and conditions where oxygen deprivation leads to organ damage, such as heart attack and stroke.

Tags : #newborn #babies #brainhealth #omega3 #braindamage #newmom #medicircle

About the Author


Sunny Parayan

Hey there! I'm Sunny, a passionate writer with a strong interest in the healthcare domain! When I'm not typing on my keyboard, I watch shows and listen to music. I hope that through my work, I can make a positive impact on people's lives by helping them live happier and healthier.

View Profile

Related Stories

Loading Please wait...

-Advertisements-




Trending Now

Will India’s Healthcare Budget Support a Future of Robotic Surgeries?February 22, 2025
Is the World on the Brink of Another Pandemic? Scientists Discover a New Bat VirusFebruary 22, 2025
Newcastle University Expands Academic and Research Collaborations in IndiaFebruary 21, 2025
Get Ready to #BibaUp! Kriti Sanon Unveils the Season’s Most Stylish Summer CollectionFebruary 21, 2025
A Rare Condition: Surgery Saves 2-Day-Old Baby as Organs Shift Into ChestFebruary 21, 2025
Odisha’s Bold Healthcare Vision: A Rs 12,000 Crore Blueprint for Universal Health AccessFebruary 21, 2025
Young India’s Health Crisis: Why Insurance Claims Are Rising Among 25-35 Year OldsFebruary 21, 2025
India vs. Trump’s Pharma Tariff: The Battle Over Affordable MedicineFebruary 21, 2025
Foreign Medical Aspirants in Trouble: NMC’s Warning on Pending Eligibility CertificatesFebruary 21, 2025
Think Your Work Music Helps You Focus? Science Says Think AgainFebruary 21, 2025
Is Your Home’s Air Poisoning You? Shocking New Study Reveals Hidden Indoor Pollution RisksFebruary 20, 2025
The Society of Automotive Engineers & B V Raju Institution of Technology; to host the globally prestigious E-BAJA 2025; at Hyderabad!February 20, 2025
Eat right for your heart to beat rightFebruary 19, 2025
Aakash Healthcare and Medtronic Inaugurate North India’s First Dedicated Vein ClinicFebruary 19, 2025
Urgent and accelerated HIV service delivery with equity and rights is critical to end AIDSFebruary 19, 2025
Fasting Fad or Future Health Threat? Why Teens Should Think Twice Before Intermittent Fasting February 19, 2025
Public Hospitals Go High-Tech: AIIMS Delhi Leads India’s Robotic Surgery WaveFebruary 19, 2025
Screen Time and Healthy Habits: Navigating Optimal Development in ChildrenFebruary 18, 2025
SRM Global Hospitals Launches WOW, a Centre Exclusively for Women’s Health and WellnessFebruary 18, 2025
The Hidden Dangers of Scented Candles: Aesthetic Bliss or Silent Health Hazard?February 18, 2025