Funding outcome

Eating the right kinds of fats when we are young is important for keeping us healthy. One group of fats in the diet is long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA). These LCPUFA have beneficial effects on the immune system, however, some studies are concerned that babies and children do not get enough of these LCPUFA in their diets. Babies and children have immature immune systems and eating these LCPUFA can help develop immunity. The proper development might also reduce their risks of getting food allergies or immune complications of chronic disease later in life. Our lab found that feeding baby rats LCPUFA reduced their allergy response and helped with their immune system development. The immune system in our intestine is also related to food allergies. However, we still do not know the effect of eating LCPUFA in early life on the intestinal immune system. Individuals with pre-diabetes have impaired immune function and inflammation. It is possible that eating LCPUFA in early life might strengthen their immune system and reduce the risk of immune complications associated with diabetes later in life. Therefore, my research will focus on 1) how eating LCPUFA in early life can affect the intestinal immune system involved in the risk of food allergies; 2) whether a vegan source of LCPUFA (from canola oil) can support optimal immune health for babies and children; and 3) whether eating LCPUFA in early life has lifelong health benefits for babies and children (reducing immune complications of diabetes later in life). This information can help form better baby formula guidelines and support dietary recommendations for LCPUFAs in the diets of babies and children.