Abstract:

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are a group of important nutritional fatty acids which are involved in cell
metabolism and plasma membrane constitution. PUFAs have attracted tremendous attention as an abundant component of
brain tissue which plays a crucial role in brain development and improvement of learning and memory abilities. Herein,
we summarize the relationship between dietary sources of PUFAs and brain phospholipid composition. Furthermore, the
mechanisms of PUFAs on brain development and function are reviewed, which will provide a theoretical basis for the
modification of dietary ω-6/ω-3 PUFA ratio in China via adding docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
or related substitutes from deep-sea fish oil and algae.

Key words: polyunsaturated fatty acid, phospholipid, brain development, brain function