Influence of fatty acid desaturase (FADS) genotype on maternal and child polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) status and child health outcomes: a systematic review

Context Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are important during pregnancy for fetal development and child health outcomes. The fatty acid desaturase (FADS) genes also influence PUFA status, with the FADS genes controlling how much product (eg, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid) is metabolized from the precursor molecules linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid. Objective The current review discusses the influence of FADS genotype on PUFA status of pregnant women, breast milk, and children, and also how FADS may influence child health outcomes. Data sources The Ovid Medline, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL Plus, PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched from their inception to September 2018. Data extraction Eligible studies reported FADS genotype and blood concentrations of PUFA during pregnancy, in childhood, breast milk concentrations of PUFA or child health outcomes. Data analysis In pregnant and lactating women, minor allele carriers have higher concentrations of linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid, and lower concentrations of arachidonic acid, in blood and breast milk, respectively. In children, FADS genotype influences PUFA status in the same manner and may impact child outcomes such as cognition and allergies; however, the direction of effects for the evidence to date is not consistent. Conclusion Further studies are needed to further investigate associations between FADS and outcomes, as well as the diet-gene interaction.