A linhaça (Linum usitatissimum) como fonte de ácido α-linolênico na formação da bainha de mielina

Abstract

Flaxseed is an oily seed that has been studied for its beneficial health effects. It is considered a functional food because it is a natural source of phytochemicals and contain the fatty acid α-linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3) that can be metabolically converted into docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6 n-3) and eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5 n-3). The former is essential for the development of the central nervous system. During brain growth, there is a great incorporation of docosahexaenoic acid which plays in important role in the formation of cell membranes. This communication intended to address the likely mechanisms by which docosahexaenoic acid originating from α-linolenic acid, present in abundance in flaxseed, interferes in the formation of the myelin sheath and report the best method to see this structure.