Randomized controlled trial of brain specific fatty acid supplementation in pregnant women increases brain volumes on MRI scans of their newborn infants.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ArA) are essential brain specific fatty acids (BSFA) for mammalian central nervous system development. Human brains have accelerated growth with significant increase in cerebral content of ArA and DHA during the last trimester of pregnancy and first postnatal months. This randomized double blind placebo controlled single centre trial assessed the impact of BSFA supplementation in pregnancy on newborn infants' brain volumes. Eighty six infants born to study mothers had brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans soon after birth. Total and regional brain volumes were analyzed and related to maternal supplementation group. Males born to the BSFA supplemented mothers had significantly larger total brain volumes, total gray matter, corpus callosum and cortical volumes when compared to the placebo group. This is the first study to show maternal BSFA supplementation enhances newborn infants' brain size and suggests differential sex sensitivity of fetal brains to pregnancy BSFA status.

The association of fatty acid deficiency symptoms (FADS) with actual essential fatty acid status in cheek cells.

Seven clinical symptoms have been utilised in several studies as a means of potentially identifying children with a deficiency in essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there was any correlation between parental reports of the frequency of these seven 'fatty acid deficiency symptoms' (FADS) with actual levels of fatty acids in buccal cell samples of 450 children aged 8-10 years old. Additionally, the relationship between FADS and cognitive test performance, ratings of attention and behaviour and other somatic complaints were explored. The severity of reported FADS was not related to the levels of omega-6 or omega-3 in buccal cell samples. There was a relationship between parental reports of child behaviour and reported FADS; with high FADS being related to higher ratings of behaviour problems. Using FADS as a marker of PUFA deficiency may not be appropriate especially when assessing typically developing children.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigating the effects of omega-3 supplementation in children aged 8-10 years from a mainstream school population.

Despite the increased interest in the effects of omega-3 supplementation on children's learning and behaviour, there are a lack of controlled studies of this kind that have utilised a typically developing population. This study investigated the effects of omega-3 supplementation in 450 children aged 8-10 years old from a mainstream school population, using a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Participants were supplemented with either active supplements (containing docosahexaenoic acid, DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA) or a placebo for 16 weeks. Cheek cell fatty acid levels were recorded pre- and post-supplementation and a range of cognitive tests and parent and teacher questionnaires were used as outcome measures. After supplementation, changes in the relationship between omega-6 and omega-3 were significant in the active group. Despite the wide range of cognitive and behavioural outcome measures employed, only three significant differences between groups were found after 16 weeks, one of which was in favour of the placebo condition. Exploring the associations between changes in fatty acid levels and changes in test and questionnaire scores also produced equivocal results. These findings are discussed in relation to previous findings with clinical populations and future implications for research.

Childrens' learning and behaviour and the association with cheek cell polyunsaturated fatty acid levels.

Increasing interest in the role of omega-3 fatty acids in relation to neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g. ADHD, dyslexia, autism) has occurred as a consequence of some international studies highlighting this link. In particular, some studies have shown that children with ADHD may have lower concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly omega-3, in their red blood cells and plasma, and that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may alleviate behavioural symptoms in this population. However, in order to compare levels it seems appropriate to establish fatty acid levels in a mainstream school aged population and if levels relate to learning and behaviour. To date no study has established this. For this study, cheek cell samples from 411 typically developing school children were collected and analysed for PUFA content, in order to establish the range in this population. In addition, measures of general classroom attention and behaviour were assessed in these children by teachers and parents. Cognitive performance tests were also administered in order to explore whether an association between behaviour and/or cognitive performance and PUFA levels exists. Relationships between PUFA levels and socio-economic status were also explored. Measures of reading, spelling and intelligence did not show any association with PUFA levels, but some associations were noted with the level of omega-3 fatty acids and teacher and parental reports of behaviour, with some evidence that higher omega-3 levels were associated with decreased levels of inattention, hyperactivity, emotional and conduct difficulties and increased levels of prosocial behaviour. These findings are discussed in relation to previous findings from omega-3 supplementation studies with children.

Salt fortification with iodine: Sudan situation analysis.

Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) constitute a severe public health problem in Sudan. IDD affects children and women throughout life. More than 2 out of 10 school age children have goiter. The prevalence reaches 40% in some regions of the country. Several interventional measures were introduced to control the IDD problem. While the situation with regard to production and supply of iodized salt was thus deteriorating, an Emergency Food Security and Nutrition Assessment Survey (EFSNA) revealed that the prevalence of IDD among adult women, as reflected in the presence of visible goiter, was as high as 25.5%. We have conducted a situation analysis survey in the Republic of Sudan to review the prevailing situation and suggest a benchmark that would help in developing effective control measures and in monitoring their implementations. SWOT analysis, questionnaire, focus groups discussion beside a combination of rapid assessment approach and qualitative method were used to critically evaluate the salt iodization situation in the country and assess the prevailing IDD situation in and propose a plan of action to overcome the bottlenecks. The survey concluded that Iodine deficiency affects children and women all through Sudan. The prevalence is even greater in some regions of the country and there is no supportive policy environment for successful universal salt iodization. To overcome this aggravated situation Sudan will need to conduct a baseline study to provide data on the prevalence of IDD, geographic distribution, knowledge, attitudes and practices relating to iodine deficiency. This will provide a benchmark that will help in developing effective control measures and in monitoring their implementation. The study recommended a set of actions to the government to overcome the prevailing situation and strengthening the current policy and implementation.

Social and ethnic differences in folic acid use preconception and during early pregnancy in the UK: effect on maternal folate status.

BACKGROUND: The role of folate supplementation in preventing neural tube defects is well known; however, preconception supplement use continues to be low, especially amongst the socially disadvantaged. The present study explored periconception folic acid supplement use in a socially deprived, ethnically diverse population. METHODS: Pregnant women (n = 402) in the first trimester of pregnancy were recruited in East London. Using a researcher led questionnaire, details were obtained regarding social class, ethnicity and folic acid use. Red cell folate levels were determined for 367 participants during the first trimester. RESULTS: Although 76% of participants reported using folic acid supplements during the first trimester, only 12% started preconception and a further 17% started before neural tube closure. Mothers from higher social groups or with higher levels of education were more likely to use folic acid and started taking it earlier. Ethnic differences were also seen in preconception usage (Africans, 5%; West Indians, 8%; Asians, 12%; Caucasians, 19%; P = 0.038). Participants who took folic acid supplements had significantly higher mean (SD) red cell folate concentrations than those who took none [936 (*\1.6) and 579 (*\1.6) nmol L(-1), respectively; P < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: Folic acid supplement use preconception and prior to neural tube closure continues to be low, exhibiting both social and ethnic disparities.

Vitamin A deficiency enhances docosahexaenoic and osbond acids in liver of rats fed an alpha linolenic acid-adequate diet.

The synthesis of docosahexaenoic (DHA, 22:6n-3) and Osbond acid (OA, 22:5n-6) is regulated by the heterodimer of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor and retinoid X receptor (RXR). 9-Cis retinoic acid, a metabolite of vitamin A, is the most potent ligand of RXR. We tested whether vitamin A deficiency impairs DHA and OA synthesis in rats fed a vitamin A- and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)-sufficient (VASALAS), vitamin A-sufficient and ALA-deficient (VASALAD), vitamin A-deficient and ALA-sufficient (VADALAS), or vitamin A- and ALA-deficient (VADALAD) diet. After 7 wk of feeding, liver and colon choline (CPG) and ethanolamine (EPG) phosphoglyceride FA were analyzed. The VADALAS compared with the VASALAS rats had elevated levels of both DHA (P< 0.05) and OA (P < 0.005) in liver CPG and EPG. In contrast, the VADALAD group had a lower DHA (P < 0.01) and higher OA (P < 0.005) level in CPG and EPG of both tissues than their VASALAD counterparts. ALA deficiency reduced DHA and enhariced OA levels in liver and colon CPG and EPG in both the vitamin A-sufficient (VASALAS vs. VASALAD) and -deficient (VADALAS vs. VADALAD) rats (P < 0.005). The study demonstrates that ALA deficiency reduced DHA and enhanced OA levels in tissue membranes, and dietary vitamin A deficiency has a profound effect on membrane DHA and OA in rat tissues. Both vitamin A and DHA are involved in a myriad of vital physiological functions pertaining to growth and development and health. Hence, there is a need for a further study to unravel the mechanism by which vitamin A influences membrane DHA and OA.

Fetal erythrocyte membrane lipids modification: preliminary observation of an early sign of compromised insulin sensitivity in offspring of gestational diabetic women.

AIMS: Intrauterine exposure to diabetes is a significant determinant of the development of obesity and early onset of Type 2 diabetes mellitus in the offspring. Both conditions are characterized by insulin resistance and the latter is associated with reduced membrane arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids. Hence, we investigated if the membrane arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids are depressed in the cord blood of babies born to women with gestational diabetes. METHODS: Cord (fetal) and maternal blood were obtained at delivery from control subjects (n = 33) and women with gestational diabetes (n = 40) and analysed for plasma triglycerides and cholinephosphoglycerides, and erythrocyte choline- and ethanolaminephosphoglycerides fatty acids. RESULTS: Babies of gestational diabetic mothers had reduced docosahexaenoic acid in the plasma (5.9 +/- 1.4 vs. 7.1 +/- 2.0, P < 0.01) and erythrocyte (4.0 +/- 2.2 vs. 5.4 +/- 2.9, P < 0.05) cholinephosphoglycerides. Moreover, the total omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids of the erythrocyte cholinephosphoglycerides were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in these babies. A similar trend was observed in plasma triglycerides and erythrocyte ethanolaminephosphoglycerides. The maternal plasma triglycerides and erythrocyte ethanolaminephosphoglycerides fatty acids profile were not different between the two groups. However, there was a reduction in arachidonic acid and total omega-6 fatty acids in the erythrocyte cholinephosphoglycerides of the gestational diabetic women. CONCLUSION: The altered plasma and erythrocyte fatty acids in the cord blood of babies born to women with gestational diabetes suggests a perturbation in the maternal-fetal nutrient transport and/or fetal lipid metabolism.

Inter-pregnancy folate and iron status of women in an inner-city population.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether micronutrient supplementation improved the nutritional status of women with poor diets during the inter-pregnancy interval. Fifty-five women who had given birth to a low birth weight baby (<2.5 kg), and who planned to have a further pregnancy, were recruited to a prospective randomised study in East London, UK. Of the fifty-five mothers recruited, forty-four (78 %) met fewer than four of sixteen dietary reference values according to the information provided in a 7 d diet diary, and were categorised as having an 'inadequate' diet. Half of the mothers in the 'inadequate'-diet group were randomly assigned to receive a micronutrient and a single cell oil supplement containing docosahexaenoic acid. All participants received dietary advice based on analysis of their diet diaries, and general lifestyle advice on preparing for pregnancy. Mothers had a blood sample taken at 3 and 9 months post-partum to measure their folate, Fe stores and fatty acid status. Mean serum and erythrocyte folate levels increased significantly between 3 and 9 months post-partum in both the adequate-diet group and the supplemented group. At 9 months post-partum, over half of the unsupplemented, inadequate-diet group remained severely deficient in folate (serum folate <230 nmol/l) and had low serum ferritin levels (<15 microg/l). The high prevalence of inadequate diets in this inner-city population and the low motivation of women to participate in a nutrition programme suggests that consideration should be given to the provision of free folate and Fe supplements to all women in this and similar populations, or at least to women who have delivered a low birth weight baby, who plan further pregnancies.

Maternal diet high in fat reduces docosahexaenoic acid in liver lipids of newborn and sucking rat pups.

The effect of a maternal diet high in fat, similar to Western foods, and of diabetes on liver essential fatty acid composition of the mother and the newborn and sucking pups was investigated. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed on either a low-fat (42 g/kg) or a high-fat (329 g/kg) diet for 10 d before mating, throughout pregnancy and post-partum. On the first day of pregnancy, diabetes was induced by intravenous administration of streptozotocin in half the animals from the two diet groups. Half the pups were killed at birth, and the remaining pups and mothers at days 15 and 16 respectively. At birth, there was a significant reduction in the proportions of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the liver phosphoglycerols and neutral lipids of the pups of both high-fat control and diabetic mothers compared with those of low-fat control and diabetic mothers. Diabetes decreased arachidonic (AA) and linoleic acid values in both the low- and high-fat groups at birth. The sucking pups of both the high-fat control and diabetic mothers exhibited a significant reduction in DHA and a concomitant compensatory increase in AA and a lowering in DHA-AA balance. In the mothers, the high-fat diet significantly increased the proportions of DHA in ethanolamine phosphoglycerols but had no observable effect in choline phosphoglycerols and neutral lipids. In the fetus the DHA level (g/100 g total fatty acids) was disproportionately reduced by the maternal high-fat diet. The adverse effect of the high-fat diet on the level of DHA (g/100 g total fatty acids) was greater in the neonate (and by implication the fetus) than in the sucking pups or mothers. It is concluded that a distortion of the biochemistry is induced in the offspring through a maternal high-fat diet, without genetic predisposition.

The inadequacy of the essential fatty acid content of present preterm feeds.

UNLABELLED: Arachidonic (AA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids are major components of endothelial, pulmonary and neuro-visual cell membranes. Preterm babies may be born with deficits of both AA and DHA. There is evidence that their endogenous anti-oxidant enzymes defence systems have only reached half the activity expected at term. Yet they are exposed to an oxygen tension greater than physiologically anticipated at this time, and the superoxide dismutase shows no evidence of significant catch-up. After birth, present enteral and parenteral feeds for the preterm baby result in a further drop of AA and DHA plasma proportions to a quarter or third of the intra-uterine expectation. At the same time, the proportion of linoleic acid (LA), the precursor for AA, rises in the plasma phosphoglycerides four-fold, thus denying the preterm infant the provision with which the placenta would have perfused the fetus to meet the very rapid demand for endothelial and neural growth. From the biochemistry it is predictable that this situation could lead to fragile cell membranes, leakage, rupture with peroxidation resulting in the formation of inflammatory and vasoconstrictive agents. CONCLUSION: The essential fatty acid content of current enteral and parenteral feeds for preterm infants is incorrectly formulated.

Are deficits of arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids responsible for the neural and vascular complications of preterm babies?

We review evidence suggesting that pre- or postnatal deficits of arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) together with underdeveloped antioxidant protection contribute to neurovisual developmental disorders and other complications of premature birth. These two synergistic deficits occur at a time when 70% of energy is focused on brain development and when the brain and blood vessels are growing at high speed. The types of essential fatty acids fed to preterm babies bear no relation to what the infant would have received had it remained a fetus. This failure to meet essential fatty acid requirements exacerbates the AA and DHA deficits seen at birth; furthermore, the immature superoxide defenses remain depressed until the expected date of delivery. Deficits of these systems, which are required for cell membranes, the endothelium, and neural tissue, could provide the biochemical prerequisite for the membrane disorders to which these babies are at high risk: intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leucomalacia, retinopathy of prematurity, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Although poor vascular development during fetal and neonatal life may be repaired, the structural and antioxidant deficits identified in preterm babies may impair blood vessel development with long-term consequences. The conclusion drawn from this review is that present parenteral and enteral lipid nutrition for preterm babies is flawed and could be pathogenic. Full-term milk composition is the basis for the design of preterm infant foods, but full-term milk is different from the placental product that is rich in AA and DHA. Preterm lipid nutrition should be revised to be more in line with placental lipid transfer to the fetus.

Prevention of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in Lewis rats by a novel fungal source of gamma-linolenic acid.

The effects of oral administration of linoleic- and gamma-linolenic-acid-rich oils on the clinical and histopathological manifestations of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) were investigated in Lewis rats 7 d post-inoculation. gamma-Linolenic-acid-rich fungal (Mucor javanicus) oil at 500 mg/kg body weight abrogated clinical and histological signs of EAE although at doses of 200 and 1000 mg/kg body weight it was only effective in delaying the onset of clinical disease. Linoleic-acid-rich safflower-seed (Carthamus tinctorius) oil at 500, 750 and 1000 mg/kg body weight decreased the severity of clinical EAE disease in a dose-dependent manner. The effects in healthy animals of orally administered gamma-linolenic-acid-rich fungal oil (500 mg/kg body weight) and linoleic-acid-rich safflower-seed oil (1000 mg/kg body weight) on splenic lymphocyte proliferative responses to the T-cell mitogen concanavalin-A (Con A), membrane fatty acid composition and lymphocyte sub-sets were also studied. Both treatments enhanced the T-cell proliferative response to Con A. There was no significant effect on the proportion of splenic CD8+ or CD4+ lymphocytes. Compositional studies on splenic phosphoglyceride fatty acids of oil-treated animals suggest the above responses were associated with increases in spleen dihomo-gamma-linolenic and arachidonic acids.

Essential fatty acids alter the activity of manganese-superoxide dismutase in rat heart.

The effects of oil-derived dietary essential fatty acids on the activities of mitchondrial Mn-SOD (manganese-superoxide dismutase) and cytosolic cupric zinc-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) were investigated in rat heart. A control group of rats was fed a stock diet for 29 d, and a second group was fed on a fat-free diet. Three other groups were fed fat-free diets that were supplemented with (i) borage oil, which is rich in linoleic (18:2n-6) and gamma-linolenic (18:3n-6) acids, (ii) fungal oil, which is rich in gamma-linolenic, but low in linoleic acid, or (iii) evening primrose oil, which is rich in linoleic acid and low in gamma-linolenic acid. An increase in the percentage composition of arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) in both the choline and ethanolamine phospholipids, together with a decrease in linoleic acid in ethanolamine phospholipids, were found in heart membranes after feeding the rats with diets containing borage oil or fungal oil as compared to those fed the stock diet. The respective activities of Mn-SOD in rats fed the borage or fungal oil diets were also significantly higher than in rats fed the stock diet alone. No change in cytosolic Cn/Zn-SOD activity was observed. Dietary supply of linoleic acid-rich evening primrose oil resulted in an increased proportion of choline phospholipid linoleic acid without any changes in arachidonic acid content or in the activity of Mn-SOD. By contrast, a reduction in the activity of Mn-SOD was detected in rats fed a fat-free diet.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A retrospective study of 77 cats with severe hepatic lipidosis: 1975-1990.

The physical, clinicopathologic, and survival rates of 77 cats with severe spontaneous hepatic lipidosis are detailed in this report. Cats were subdivided into groups designated as idiopathic lipidosis if no other disease process was recognized, or secondary lipidosis if another disease process was diagnosed. Cats were also subdivided into groups designated as survivors or nonsurvivors on the basis of successful recuperation at 4 months after initial diagnosis. Differences between disease and survival groups were evaluated for significance. Overall, more female cats and middle-aged cats were affected. Presenting complaints of vomiting, anorexia, weakness, and weight loss were common. Physical assessment of most cats showed obvious hepatomegaly, jaundice, dehydration, and a weight loss > or = 25% of usual body weight. Neurobehavioral signs indicative of hepatic encephalopathy, other than ptyalism and depression, were rare. Clinicopathologic features are characterized by hyperbilirubinemia and increased activities of serum ALT, AST, and ALP, with only small if any increase in gamma GT activity. Clinical features distinguishing cats with hepatic lipidosis from those with other serious cholestatic disorders include absence of hyperglobulinemia and low gamma GT activity relative to ALP activity. Although coagulation tests were abnormal in 45% of cats tested (n = 44), few cats showed clinical bleeding tendencies. Most cats received prophylactic vitamin K1 therapy. Forty two cats received aggressive nutritional and supportive care and of these 55% survived. Cats with idiopathic disease were significantly younger, had significantly higher ALP activity and bilirubin concentration, and had a slightly better survival rate than cats with secondary lipidosis. Low PCV, hypokalemia, and an older age were significantly related to nonsurvival. Because of the variety of diets and food supplements used in case management, the influence of nutritional factors on survival could not be evaluated.

Chick nutritional encephalomalacia and prostanoid formation.

Nutritional encephalomalacia (NE) was induced in young chicks using a diet low in vitamin E and containing 8% ethyl esters derived from safflower oil fatty acids (S-E group). The same diet with added alpha-tocopheryl acetate (S+E) failed to produce the pathology, and chicks receiving aerated linseed oil--high in alpha-linolenic acid and low in alpha-tocopherol (L-E)--did not develop symptoms. Formation of metabolites from labeled arachidonic acid (AA) by thrombocytes was similar in the S+E and S-E groups, yielding thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and hydroxy fatty acids as the major products. Collagen-induced thrombocyte aggregation and TXB2 production were not significantly different in the S-E and S+E groups, but aggregation values and TXB2 synthesis were significantly less in the L-E group than in the ataxic S-E chicks. Prostaglandin E2 production by aortal rings was significantly influenced by the diet; S-E yielded the highest value and L-E the lowest. These results show that alpha-linolenic acid causes alterations in the AA metabolism and thrombocyte function in young chicks.

Maternal magnesium intake and pregnancy outcome.

The magnesium intakes of 513 women towards the end of the first trimester of pregnancy were calculated from a record of food consumption for one week. Magnesium intake was found to be correlated with weight, length, and head circumference at birth as well as length of gestation up to a threshold of around 3200 g birthweight. Of the seven elements found to be significantly associated with these outcomes of pregnancy, magnesium was third in order of significance, after sodium and chloride. A subsample of mothers were given a supplement which provided 100 mg/day of magnesium during the second and third trimester: there was no effect on the outcome of pregnancy, suggesting that any influence of magnesium was confined to the first trimester or before. A maternal magnesium intake of 300 mg/day was compatible with observed optimum birthweight, length and head circumference.

n-6 and n-3 fatty acids during early human development.

The food intakes of pregnant women were analysed from two contrasting socio-economic areas in London. There were significant differences in mean calorie and EFA intakes. Analysis of maternal and cord blood essential fatty acids (EFAs) in relation to birth weight, placental weight and head circumference were consistent with the dietary data. To assess the EFA tissue status of the low birth weight babies, the umbilical arteries from 14 separate babies of different birth weights were studied. Surprisingly high levels of the Mead acid (20:3 n-9) were found, with the highest appearing in the artery from the baby with the lowest birth weight. This data may not necessarily imply an EFA deficiency, but at the least it probably indicates a remarkable thirst for long chain n-6 and n-3 fatty acids for fetal brain development.

Nutritional encephalomalacia in the chick: an exposure of the vulnerable period for cerebellar development and the possible need for both omega 6- and omega 3-fatty acids.

1. Cockerels (1-d-old) received over a period of 4 weeks, a balanced diet containing either safflower oil (diet S) or linseed oil (diet L) as a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Body-weight, and weights of cerebrum and cerebellum increased at similar rates in the two dietary groups. The total fatty acids (FA) of the cerebellum differed from the cerebral FA by their higher PUFA and oleic acid contents and their lower stearic acid level. During the 3rd week of life there was a spurt in accretion of PUFA in the cerebellum, but not in the cerebrum. At the end of the experimental period phosphatidylethanolamine was present at twice the concentration in the cerebellum, compared with the cerebrum. 2. Diets S and L resulted in extensive mutual replacement of omega 6- and omega 3-FA in brain, without any significant change in the total PUFA. Brain oleic acid concentration was higher in the diet-L group than in the diet-S group, but saturated FA were not affected by the dietary treatments. 3. These results may be relevant to basic brain biology and to chick nutritional encephalomalacia (NE). This disease, which specifically affects the cerebellum and is readily induced by diets supplying linoleic acid but deficient in vitamin E, usually reaches its highest incidence during the 3rd week of life and may thus be related to the cerebellar PUFA spurt that occurs at that time. The fact that NE was induced by linoleic acid, while alpha-linolenic acid exerted a protective action, points to an overproduction of arachidonic-derived eicosanoids as a factor in the etiology of the cerebellar lesion and possibly a structural change due to a loss of docosahexaenoic acid and gain of arachidonic acid in the chicks given diet S.