Karyna Caal
Pronouns: She/her
Research Mentor(s): Brigid Gregg
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Pediatrics / Medicine
Program: UROP
Session: Session 3 (11:00am – 11:50am)
Authors: Brigid Gregg, Haijing Sun
Abstract
A long-standing method of promoting healthy pregnancies entails providing proper prenatal care. Pregnancy is a significant period for the health of both mother and child. Pregnant women who consume adequate DHA in their diets are more likely to receive adequate prenatal care, as DHA is recognized to be an omega-3 fatty acid crucial for both long-term mental health in mothers and neonatal brain development and function. DHA is critical for the growth and development of the brain, retina, cerebral cortex, and skin. Additionally, DHA plays a crucial role in the growth of an infant’s brain and eyes, with insufficient intakes resulting in visual and neurocognitive deficiencies. However, empirical research has demonstrated that Western diets have become progressively low in DHA over the past few decades. Additionally, previous studies have shown that inadequate DHA intake may have long-term detrimental effects on maternal and infant health. Although sources of DHA supplementation may often be found in products like fish oil capsules, there aren’t many that can be incorporated into human diets. In light of this, this research study has partnered with a University of Illinois Chicago lab that has created two distinct forms of DHA that can be consumed. These DHA subtypes are referred to as LPC (Lysophospahtidylcholine) and TAG (Triacylglycerol). Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine whether these forms of DHA have positive impacts on the growth and development of young mice, while simultaneously examining its effects on the health of mouse dams.
