Lipids in general and fatty acids in particular have been implicated in brain development (Simopoulos 2011, Molecular Neurobiology), cognitive ability (Swanson 2012, Advances in Nutrition), and dementia (Reitz 2011, Nature Reviews Neurology). Specific fatty acids, such as DHA, are believed to have a direct effect on cell integrity, development, maintenance, and function in the brain (Bazan 2011, Annual Review of Nutrition). These essential polyunsaturated fatty acids can only be obtained through diet with high levels found in cold water fatty fish, seed oils and green-leafed plants.

Spelling and reading are markers of learning ability and cognitive function (Taylor 2013, Psychological Bulletin). As both diet and learning ability are strongly influenced by socioeconomic level we will use a Mendelian randomisation approach to estimate the causal effects of lipid metabolites and fatty acids on brain function, in children aged seven, as this is measured through spelling and reading tests. For this we will use the identified polymorphisms affecting the metabolites of interest as reported in Ketunnen et al 2012 Nat Genet.

Depending on the results of this effort we will try to obtain funding for a more detailed characterisation of fatty acids in order to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms involved