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Objectives: The importance of essential fatty acids, in particular the omega-3 family, in the central nervous system development of newborns is well documented. The flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) is considered one of the best vegetable sources of omega-3 fatty acids. The influence of omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed on the brain development of newborn rats was evaluated. Material and methods: Pups of the F1 generation were obtained from 18 female Wistar rats divided in 3 groups (n = 6), FG: fed with diet based on Flaxseed added with casein, CG: Casein, and MCG: Modified Casein supplemented with fibers and soybean oil. Newborn pups were weighted and submitted to euthanasia; brains were collected for evaluation of weight and lipid profile through gaseous chromatography. Results: Significant increase in brain weight (39%) and relative brain weight (37%) was verified in pups from mothers fed with flaxseed diet. The omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids from the flaxseed were found in abundance in the diet made with this oleaginous and also significant increase in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (38%), as well as in total of omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids (62%). Conclusion: Maternal diet of flaxseed during pregnancy influences the incorporation of omega-3 fatty acid in the composition of brain tissue, assuring a good development of this organ in newborn rats. Objetivos: La importancia de los ácidos grasos esenciales, en particular la familia omega-3, en el desarrollo del sistema nervioso central de los recién nacidos está bien documentada. La semilla de linaza (Linum usitatissimum) es considerada una de las mejores fuentes vegetales de ácidos grasos omega-3. Se evaluó la influencia de los ácidos grasos omega-3 de la linaza en el desarrollo del cerebro de ratas recién nacidas. Material y métodos: Las crías de la generación F1 se obtuvieron a partir de 18 ratas Wistar divididas en 3 grupos (n = 6), GL: alimentados con dieta a base de linaza adicionada con caseína, GC: a base de caseína, y GCM: con caseína modificada suplementada con fibras y aceite de soja. Las crías recién nacidas fueron pesadas y sometidas a eutanasia; los cerebros fueron recolectados para la evaluación del peso y el perfil lipídico mediante cromatografía gaseosa. Resultados: Se verificó aumento significativo en el peso cerebral (39%) y en el peso relativo del cerebro (37%) en las crías de madres alimentadas con la dieta de linaza. Los ácidos grasos omega-3 (n-3) de la linaza se encontraron en abundancia en la dieta elaborada con esta oleaginosa, y también hubo importante aumento en el ácido docosahexaenoico (DHA) (38%), así como en el total de ácidos grasos omega-3 (n-3) (62%). Conclusión: La dieta materna a base de linaza durante el embarazo influye en la incorporación de ácidos grasos omega-3 en la composición del tejido cerebral, asegurando un buen desarrollo de este órgano en ratas recién nacidas.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of flaxseed upon body growth and brain of rats. Methods: Experimental phase lasted 52 days, using 42 Wistar rats which were divided into four groups: Control (CG, n = 12), 10% casein diet; Flaxseed (GL, n = 12), 10% flaxseed diet plus casein; Modified Control (GCM, n = 12), 10% casein diet with changes in lipid and fiber comparable to GL; Non-protein (GA, n = 6), diet without protein. Considering food intake, protein intake and weight variation, the Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) was calculated. Net Protein Retention (NPR) and the Food Efficiency Ratio (CEA) were also determined relative to brain weight at 30 days of life (M30) and at 52 days (M52). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Test of Sheffe and post-test of Bonferroni were used, p < 0.05. Results: GL had lower food intake, protein and weight variation than GC, but had higher values than GCM. Concerning PER, GL was lower than GC and similar to the GCM, as well as CEA. As for NPR, GL had lower values than the CG and GCM. At M30, GL was superior to GC in relation to brain weight. Likewise, the same was observed at M52. Conclusion: Flaxseed promoted adequate growth and better brain development in animals, which might be explained by increased incorporation of omega-3 into these tissues. Objetivos: Evaluar el efecto de la linaza en el crecimiento corporal y del cerebro de ratones. Métodos: El estudio experimental duró 52 días, utilizando 42 ratones Wistar, que fueron divididos en cuatro grupos: Control (GC, n = 12), dieta con 10% de caseína; Linaza (GL, n = 12), 10% de la dieta de linaza adicionada de caseína; Control Modificado (GCM n = 12), 10% de caseína con los cambios en los lípidos y fibra comparable a GL, Sin proteína (GA, n = 6), dieta sin proteínas. Fueron controlados la ingesta de alimentos, la ingesta de proteínas y la variación de peso, fueron calculados el Índice de Eficiencia Proteica (PER), la retención proteica neta (NPR) y el Índice de Eficiencia de Alimentación (CEA). Se determinó también el peso cerebral relativo a los 30 días de vida (M30) y 52 días (M52). Fue utilizado ANOVA, prueba de Sheffé y coeficiente de Bonferroni, con p< 0,05. Resultados: GL tuvo menor consumo de alimentos, proteínas y variación del peso sobre GC, pero tuvo valores más altos que GCM. Con relación a PER, GL fue inferior a GC y similar a GCM, así como en el CEA. GL tuvo valores menores valores de NPR que GC y GCM. En M30, GL fue superior a GC en relación al peso relativo del cerebro. Lo mismo se observó en M52. Conclusiones: La linaza promueve un crecimiento adecuado y un mejor desarrollo cerebral en los animales, lo que podría explicarse por una mayor incorporación de ácidos grasos omega-3 en estos tejidos.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of flaxseed upon body growth and brain of rats. Methods: Experimental phase lasted 52 days, using 42 Wistar rats which were divided into four groups: Control (CG, n = 12), 10% casein diet; Flaxseed (GL, n = 12), 10% flaxseed diet plus casein; Modified Control (GCM, n = 12), 10% casein diet with changes in lipid and fiber comparable to GL; Non-protein (GA, n = 6), diet without protein. Considering food intake, protein intake and weight variation, the Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) was calculated. Net Protein Retention (NPR) and the Food Efficiency Ratio (CEA) were also determined relative to brain weight at 30 days of life (M30) and at 52 days (M52). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Test of Sheffe and post-test of Bonferroni were used, p < 0.05. Results: GL had lower food intake, protein and weight variation than GC, but had higher values than GCM. Concerning PER, GL was lower than GC and similar to the GCM, as well as CEA. As for NPR, GL had lower values than the CG and GCM. At M30, GL was superior to GC in relation to brain weight. Likewise, the same was observed at M52. Conclusion: Flaxseed promoted adequate growth and better brain development in animals, which might be explained by increased incorporation of omega-3 into these tissues.