News - Can Infants Consume Nervonic Acid?

I. Introduction

Many parents wonder if infants can consume nervonic acid. Before answering this question, it's important to understand the sources of nervonic acid. Since breast milk contains nervonic acid, one might ask if breast milk is also unsuitable for consumption. But beyond breast milk, can infants under 3 years old consume nervonic acid from other sources?

II. What is Nervonic Acid?

Nervonic acid, also known as selacholeic acid, is scientifically named cis-15-tetracosenoic acid. It’s a type of omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid. Given its initial discovery in mammalian nerve tissues, it's commonly referred to as nervonic acid.

Nervonic acid is a component of biological membranes, primarily found in the form of glycolipids and sphingomyelins in the white matter of the human brain, retina, sperm, and nervous tissues.

III. Benefits of Nervonic Acid

The name "nervonic acid" hints at its primary function: benefiting the nervous system. Additionally, due to its unsaturated nature, it also offers cardiovascular benefits. Let's delve deeper:

Promotes Brain Development

Comparisons between premature and full-term infants have revealed higher levels of nervonic acid in the brains of full-term babies. Studies suggest that nervonic acid might influence infant head circumference growth.
Nervonic acid regulates brain cell membrane function, enhancing the transmission of information between brain cells and boosting calcium ion activity. Animal studies support this, showing that oral nervonic acid supplements can enhance learning and memory in both normal and experimentally memory-impaired mice. Thus, it's hypothesized that nervonic acid could improve human memory and cognition.

Improves Focus

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. ADHD can lead to academic underachievement, poor peer relationships, and impaired social functioning. Studies have shown that children with ADHD have lower levels of nervonic acid in their plasma compared to normal children. Research suggests that supplementing with adequate amounts of nervonic acid can improve ADHD symptoms and focus in children.

Reduces Risk of Alzheimer's, Psychosis, and Depression

Analyses of 260 elderly individuals with cognitive impairment and their serum fatty acid profiles revealed a decreased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) with higher levels of both nervonic acid and DHA. Additionally, experiments have shown that nervonic acid-containing maple seed oil can activate the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway, increase the expression of postsynaptic proteins PSD95, GluA1, and NMDAR1, and reduce the mRNA levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β, TNFα, and IL-6, thereby alleviating neurological weakness and improving memory in the elderly.
Other studies have linked lower levels of nervonic acid to prodromal symptoms of psychosis and depression. Research suggests that adequate supplementation of nervonic acid can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's, psychosis, and depression.

Promotes Myelin Repair

Experiments on mice with demyelination fed maple seed oil containing nervonic acid showed that these mice almost recovered to the control group's level. Other studies have demonstrated that dietary supplementation with nervonic acid can improve the maturation and remyelination of oligodendrocytes.

Reduces Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Studies have found that nervonic acid can reduce the risk of acute ischemic stroke. The reasons include:
Repairing and clearing damaged neural pathways in the brain
Restoring the activity of nerve endings
Promoting nerve cell regeneration
Preventing brain nerve aging
Repairing and restoring the aging, damaged, and hardened walls of the cardiovascular system
Updating vascular wall tissue
Restoring the elasticity and vitality of blood vessels

IV. Can Infants Consume Nervonic Acid? When Should They Start Supplementation?

The answer is actually quite straightforward. Let's examine the evaluations of authoritative domestic and international departments, as well as relevant food regulations.

1. FDA Regulations

According to official FDA documents, nervonic acid derived from compounds can be used as a drug.
For the treatment of diseases such as isovaleric acidemia, the dosage is 200-300mg.

However, the FDA has not certified nervonic acid from other sources for use in infant formula. According to FDA regulations, if an ingredient is to be used in infant formula, it must be recognized as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the U.S. FDA for infant formula. Nervonic acid clearly does not meet this criterion.

2. EU Regulations

The EU has not directly reviewed nervonic acid, so there is no relevant information available.

3. Chinese Regulations

As early as March 22, 2011, the Ministry of Health issued a notice announcing that maple seed oil had passed the new resource food announcement.

Combining the regulations and querying the nervonic acid content of maple seed oil, it is found that maple seed oil typically contains 3%-5% nervonic acid. According to the new resource food regulations, the daily intake limit of nervonic acid is approximately 150mg.
As previously mentioned, the chemical name of nervonic acid is cis-15-tetracosenoic acid. In 2017, the National Health and Family Planning Commission issued another new resource food announcement regarding nervonic acid compounds derived from rapeseed oil.

This announcement specifically emphasized that infants should not consume such products, and if the product is directly using the compound, the label should indicate that it is not suitable for infants.

Based on the current regulations, regardless of whether nervonic acid is derived from compounds or food sources, it is not suitable for infants. Many people may ask, "But if breast milk contains it, why can't we use it?" This involves two aspects. First, there is currently limited research on the safety of nervonic acid for infants, and it has not been widely used worldwide. Further research is needed. Second, whether infants need to supplement nervonic acid is also a question with insufficient research. There is currently no substantial data to prove that infants are deficient in nervonic acid. Therefore, further research is needed to confirm this.

Therefore, based on the current regulations and assessments, it is recommended to start supplementing with nervonic acid at the age of 3 or older. Many parents may feel more at ease if they supplement infants under the age of 3. In such cases, food supplementation is recommended.

To reiterate, there is insufficient evidence to support the supplementation of nervonic acid in infants. From a medical and nutritional standpoint, there is no data to suggest that supplementation is necessary. Therefore, it is recommended to take a rational approach to supplementing infants with nervonic acid.

While every parent hopes for a smart baby, it is recommended to focus on nutrition while also spending more time with your baby, providing a healthy living environment, and encouraging outdoor activities. These factors are often more important.