Abstract
Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (linolenic acid, 18:3n-3; eicosapentaenoic acid, 20:5n-3; and docosahexaenoic acid 22:6n-3) are essential for vertebrates and must be included in the diet to maintain the structural and functional integrity of cellular membranes. The [omega]-3 fatty acid series widely acts from cellular to body level with multiple therapeutic and preventive benefits. This review aims to summarize the role of [omega]-3 fatty acids in cognitive development in the prenatal and postnatal periods and their effect on inflammation during early life