According to the research led by Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore, it was revealed that certain special fats that are found in blood that are essential for human brain growth and function.

The researchers examined that Mfsd2a mutations in two families in Libya and Egypt and showed that mutations in the protein Mfsd2a causes impaired brain development in humans as it carries a special type of fat called lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs), which is composed of essential fatty acids like omega-3.

The research conducted in North Pakistan observed that person, who had reduced Mfsd2a transport activity, had microcephaly, intellectual disabilities, impaired control of their limbs, and absent speech. The author stated that these findings confirmed the vital role of LPCs in brain development and function in humans, and indicates that brain uptake of LPCs during foetal development and in adult life is important.

The research is published in Nature Genetics journal.

By Lizitha