Maternal diets affected ceramides and fatty acids in brain regions of neonatal rats with prenatal ethanol exposure.

Objectives: Ceramide (Cer), known as apoptotic markers, increases with prenatal ethanol (EtOH) exposure, resulting in neuroapoptosis. Whether maternal nutrition can impact Cer concentrations in brain, via altering plasma and brain fatty acid compositions have not been examined. This study compared a standard chow with a formulated semi-purified energy dense (E-dense) diet on fatty acid composition, Cer concentrations, and apoptosis in plasma and brain regions (cortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus) of pups exposed to EtOH during gestation. Methods: Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into four groups: chow (n = 6), chow + EtOH (20% v/v) (n = 7), E-dense (n = 6), and E-dense + EtOH (n = 8). At postnatal day 7, representing the peak brain growth spurt in rats, lipids, and apoptosis were analyzed by gas chromatography and a fluorometric caspase-3 assay kit, respectively. Results: Maternal E-dense diet increased total fatty acid concentrations (p < 0.0001), including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (p < 0.0001) in plasma, whereas DHA concentrations were decreased in the cerebellum (p < 0.03) of pups than those from chow-fed dams. EtOH-induced Cer elevations in the hippocampus of pups born to dams fed chow were reduced by an E-dense diet (p < 0.02). No significant effects of maternal diet quality and EtOH were observed on caspase-3 activity. No significant correlations existed between plasma/brain fatty acids and Cer concentrations. Discussions: Maternal diet quality affected fatty acid compositions and Cer concentrations of pups with prenatal EtOH exposure, differently. Maternal nutrition has the potential to prevent or alleviate some of the adverse effects of prenatal EtOH exposure.

The effect of choline availability from gestation to early development on brain and retina functions and phospholipid composition in a male mouse model.

OBJECTIVES: Although choline is essential for brain development and neural function, the effect of choline on retina function is not well understood. This study examined the effects of choline on neural tissues of brain and retina, and membrane phospholipid (PL) composition during fetal development. METHODS: Pregnant C57BL/6 mice were fed one of 4 choline modified diets: i) control (Cont, 2.5g/kg), ii) choline deficient (Def, 0g/kg), iii) supplemented with choline chloride (Cho, 10g/kg) and iv) supplemented with egg phosphatidylcholine (PC, 10g/kg). At postnatal day (PD) 21, pups were weaned onto their mothers' respective diets until PD 45. Spatial memory was measured using the Morris Water Maze; retina function by electroretinogram (ERG); and PL composition with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. RESULTS: Cho and PC supplementation enhanced cued learning and spatial memory abilities, respectively (p Def > PC > Cho, with no statistically significant alterations in cone-driven responses. There were no differences in the composition of major PLs in the brain and retina. In the brain, subclasses of ether PL, alkyl acyl- phosphatidylethanolamine (PEaa) and phosphatidylcholine (PCaa) were significantly greater among the PC supplemented group in comparison to the Def group. DISCUSSION: These results indicate that while choline supplementation during gestation to an early developmental period is beneficial for spatial memory, contributions to retina function are minor. Assessment with a larger sample size of retinas could warrant the essentiality of choline for retina development.

Long-term effects of temperature during early life on growth and fatty acid metabolism in age-0 Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens).

Environmental temperature during early life may have prolonged effects on growth and fatty acid metabolism, which could strongly influence overwintering survival in the first year of life for temperate-zone fish. In the present study, we examined how temperature during early life history might influence growth performance and fatty acid metabolism in age-0 Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) when exposed to cold temperatures at later stages. Fish were initially at 16 °C and subsequently held at 16 °C or 20 °C for 60 days beginning at 34 days post fertilization (dpf). Then, all fish were subsequently raised at the same temperature of 16 °C until the onset of cold conditioning at 158 dpf where temperature was gradually decreased to 3.5 °C and remained there for two weeks. Samples were collected before (151 dpf) and after cold conditioning (199 dpf) to measure total length, body mass, whole body metabolic rate, fatty acid profile in phospholipids and triglycerides and mRNA expression of genes associated with fatty acid desaturation, elongation and ß-oxidation. Results revealed that before cold conditioning, total length and body mass did not differ between temperature groups, but fish raised at 20 °C showed a lower condition factor. During the cold conditioning, only fish raised at 16 °C grew significantly longer and heavier. There was no difference in metabolic rates between treatments. Significant increases in total monounsaturated fatty acids with decreases in total saturated fatty acids were identified in phospholipids and triglycerides in both temperature groups after the cold conditioning; however, the 20 °C group did not significantly increase levels of gene expression associated with fatty acid desaturation (SCD and FADS1) whereas the 16 °C group did. Our results suggest that thermal experience during early life may influence overwintering survival of age-0 Lake Sturgeon.

Knowledge and Perceptions of Carbohydrates among Nutrition-Major and Nutrition-Elective Undergraduate Students in Canada.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to assess knowledge and perceptions related to carbohydrates, including sugars, among Canadian nutrition-major undergraduates compared to those enrolled in elective nutrition courses (i.e., "nutrition-elective students").Methods: Cross-sectional surveys were distributed during class time at eight Canadian universities, which included 32 questions on demographics, knowledge and perceptions of carbohydrates and sugars. Descriptive analyses were performed. Differences between groups were tested by Chi-squared statistics.Results: A total of 1207 students (60% nutrition-majors) participated in the survey (January 2016-February 2017). Internet-based sources accounted for one-third of the sources where students obtained nutrition information. About 61% of internet-bases sources were "online" or "website" with no qualifiers, and about a quarter was from social media. A higher percentage of nutrition-majors correctly answered knowledge questions of carbohydrates compared with nutrition-elective students (p < 0.01); no difference was observed for sugars-related knowledge questions. The perceptions of sugars were generally negative and did not differ between groups.Conclusions: Several knowledge gaps and common perceptions on topics related to carbohydrates and sugars were identified; nutrition-major students performed better than nutrition-elective students on carbohydrate knowledge questions, but not sugars. These results highlight the importance of identifying methods to help students bridge knowledge gaps and develop skills to critically evaluate nutrition information from various resources and challenge personal biases.

The impact of EPA and DHA on ceramide lipotoxicity in the metabolic syndrome.

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors including obesity, insulin resistance (IR) and dyslipidaemia. Consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) enriched in SFA leads to the accumulation of ceramide (Cer), the central molecule in sphingolipid metabolism. Elevations in plasma and tissue Cer are found in obese individuals, and there is evidence to suggest that Cer lipotoxicity contributes to the MetS. EPA and DHA have shown to improve MetS parameters including IR, inflammation and hypertriacylglycerolaemia; however, whether these improvements are related to Cer is currently unknown. This review examines the potential of EPA and DHA to improve Cer lipotoxicity and MetS parameters including IR, inflammation and dyslipidaemia in vitro and in vivo. Current evidence from cell culture and animal studies indicates that EPA and DHA attenuate palmitate- or HFD-induced Cer lipotoxicity and IR, whereas evidence in humans is greatly lacking. Overall, there is intriguing potential for EPA and DHA to improve Cer lipotoxicity and related MetS parameters, but more research is warranted.

Differential effects of maternal diets on birth outcomes and metabolic parameters in rats after ethanol consumption during pregnancy.

Maternal nutrition status plays an important role in the development of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), but its direct evidence is lacking. This study compared a standard chow with a semi-purified energy-dense (E-dense) diet on birth and metabolic outcomes in rats after ethanol (EtOH) consumption during pregnancy. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were randomised into four groups: chow (n 6), chow + EtOH (20 %, v/v) (n 7), E-dense (n 6) and E-dense + EtOH (n 8). Birth outcomes including litter size, body and organ weights were collected. Metabolic parameters were measured in dams and pups at postnatal day (PD) 7. Maternal EtOH consumption decreased body weights (P < 0·0001) and litter sizes (P < 0·05) in chow-fed dams. At PD7, pups born to dams fed the E-dense diet had higher body (P < 0·002) and liver weights (P < 0·0001). These pups also had higher plasma total cholesterol (P < 0·0001), TAG (P < 0·003) and alanine aminotransferase (P < 0·03) compared with those from chow-fed dams. Dams fed the E-dense diet had higher plasma total (P < 0·0001) and HDL-cholesterol (P < 0·0001) and lower glucose (P < 0·0001). EtOH increased total cholesterol (P < 0·03) and glucose (P < 0·05) only in dams fed the E-dense diet. Maternal exposure to the E-dense diet attenuated prenatal EtOH-induced weight loss and produced different metabolic outcomes in both dams and pups. While the long-lasting effects of these outcomes are unknown, this study highlights the importance of maternal diet quality for maternal health and infant growth and suggests that maternal nutrition intervention may be a potential target for alleviating FASD.

Effects of temperature and food availability on liver fatty acid composition and plasma cortisol concentration in age-0 lake sturgeon: Support for homeoviscous adaptation.

Overwintering survival in north temperate fishes involves a series of adaptive responses to multiple environmental stressors. Homeoviscous adaptation includes changes in membrane lipid composition in response to reduced environmental temperature, which may be driven by changes in hormones involved in the endocrine stress response. We examined how reduced temperature and food availability may act in concert to influence hepatic fatty acid composition of phospholipids and triglycerides, in addition to plasma concentration of cortisol in age-0 lake sturgeon (A. fulvescens). At 153 days post hatch (dph), temperature was decreased from 16 °C to 1 °C at a rate of 0.5 °C per day, and at 200 dph, fish were either fed every other day or deprived of food for 45 days to simulate an overwintering event. Liver fatty acid composition of phospholipids and triglycerides were assessed before temperature manipulation (16 °C; 153 dph), when fish had been at 1 °C for 16 days (199 dph), 25 days of overwintering (225 dph) and 45 days of overwintering (245 dph). Plasma cortisol concentration was assessed at 153, 225 and 245 dph. When temperature was decreased, both mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids significantly increased in phospholipids and triglycerides. Total omega-6 fatty acids significantly increased in phospholipids while total omega-3 fatty acids did not. During the simulated overwintering, there was no obvious difference in fatty acids of phospholipids and triglycerides between diet treatments and no difference in circulating cortisol concentration between baseline and post-stressed fish in the fasted group. Our results provide support for homeoviscous adaptation to cold temperatures in lake sturgeon.

Cost, Nutritional Content and Number of Gluten-Free Staple Foods Available in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Data has indicated that gluten-free (GF) foods are more expensive and have lower nutritional value than their gluten-containing (GC) counterparts. The aim of the present study was to compare the cost and nutrient content between GF and GC staple foods and determine whether the number and price of GF staple foods differed based on type of store or location within Winnipeg, Canada. Twelve grocery stores (2 chain stores/quadrant;1 local store/quadrant) in the four quadrants (northwest, northeast, southwest, southeast) of Winnipeg were visited to identify GF staple products (bread, flour, cereal, pasta) along with a GC comparator. A total of 819 GF products along with GC comparators were identified. The median cost of GF products ($1.50/100 g) was 131 % greater than that of GC ($0.65/100 g) (p < 0.0001). The greatest difference in cost was between GF and GC flour, with the least difference occurring between GF and GC cereal. GF products were 58, 36 and 100 % lower in iron, protein and saturated fat (p < 0.0001) than their GC comparators, respectively. The number of GF staple products was 370 % higher (p < 0.007) at chain stores than at local stores, whereas store location did not significantly affect the number of GF products available. The greatest difference in number of different GF foods based on store type was for cereals, with the least being for flours. These results confirm that GF staple foods are more expensive and have lower nutritional value (mainly due to lower iron and protein content) compared to GC foods.

Differential effect of a carotenoid-rich diet on retina function in non-diabetic and diabetic rats.

Objective: This study was designed to examine the supplementation of a carotenoid-rich carrot powder, on retina function and carotenoid metabolism in non-diabetic control and type 1 diabetic animals. Methods: Male Wistar rats (n = 30) were randomly assigned to diets supplemented with (n = 15) or without (n = 15) carrot powder enriched diets (150 g/kg diet). After 3 weeks of diet adaptation, 8 rats in each group were treated with streptozotocin (iv) to induce type 1 diabetes and fed for a further 9 wk. Retinal function was assessed with the electroretinogram (ERG). Hepatic and plasma retinoids and carotenoids were measured by ultra-performance liquid chromatography. Results: Non-diabetic control rats fed the carrot diet had significantly (p < 0.02) higher rod- and cone- driven post-synaptic b-wave amplitudes, respectively, compared to those fed the control diet. These functional changes correlated with higher (p < 0.05) liver levels of carotenoids (α- and ß- carotene) and retinoids. In diabetic rats, carrot diet exacerbated retina dysfunction; the amplitudes for most of rod- and cone-driven ERG components were the lowest amplitudes among all groups (p < 0.02). Diabetic rats fed the carrot diet had lower hepatic retinol and retinyl palmitate, while having higher α- and ß-carotene levels, indicating diminished hepatic conversion of carotenoids into retinoids. Discussion: Dietary supplementation of high dose dietary carotenoids plays a beneficial role on healthy rat retina function, but exerts a detrimental effect in diabetes, which warrants undertaking detailed mechanistic studies.

Chronic dietary creatine enhances hippocampal-dependent spatial memory, bioenergetics, and levels of plasticity-related proteins associated with NF-κB.

The brain has a high demand for energy, of which creatine (Cr) is an important regulator. Studies document neurocognitive benefits of oral Cr in mammals, yet little is known regarding their physiological basis. This study investigated the effects of Cr supplementation (3%, w/w) on hippocampal function in male C57BL/6 mice, including spatial learning and memory in the Morris water maze and oxygen consumption rates from isolated mitochondria in real time. Levels of transcription factors and related proteins (CREB, Egr1, and IκB to indicate NF-κB activity), proteins implicated in cognition (CaMKII, PSD-95, and Egr2), and mitochondrial proteins (electron transport chain Complex I, mitochondrial fission protein Drp1) were probed with Western blotting. Dietary Cr decreased escape latency/time to locate the platform (P < 0.05) and increased the time spent in the target quadrant (P < 0.01) in the Morris water maze. This was accompanied by increased coupled respiration (P < 0.05) in isolated hippocampal mitochondria. Protein levels of CaMKII, PSD-95, and Complex 1 were increased in Cr-fed mice, whereas IκB was decreased. These data demonstrate that dietary supplementation with Cr can improve learning, memory, and mitochondrial function and have important implications for the treatment of diseases affecting memory and energy homeostasis.

Employment Outcomes among Registered Dietitians following Graduation in Manitoba.

Purpose: The study objectives were to (i) describe employment outcomes among Registered Dietitians (RDs) who graduated from the University of Manitoba, (ii) test for differences in employment outcomes according to graduation year, and (iii) compare preferred area of practice and geography prior to employment with past and current employment. Methods: Graduates of the Human Nutritional Sciences program (2006-2015) were invited to participate in an online survey. Data on respondent demographics, education, and employment outcomes were collected. Results: Overall, 133 (68%) respondents self-identified as RDs. RDs who had graduated between 2006 and 2011 were significantly more likely to secure employment within 6 months post-graduation compared with RDs that graduated between 2012 and 2015. Geographically, although 56% of RDs did not wish to gain experience in rural/remote communities upon graduating, 44% of these respondents reported working part- or full-time in a rural/remote location at some point during their career. Conclusion: Findings indicate that a substantial number of RDs in Manitoba are employed in a rural or remote location despite acknowledging that it is not a preferred location. Future research is needed to explore the views and experiences of new and established RDs toward rural or remote practice, including preparedness for practice.

Diversity and Equity in Dietetics and Undergraduate Nutrition Education in Manitoba.

PURPOSE: The objectives of this study were (i) to describe ethnicity, tuition funding sources, and living arrangements during degree among Registered Dietitian (RD) and non-RD alumni of the University of Manitoba's undergraduate nutrition program and (ii) to describe barriers to obtaining an internship among those who did not become an RD. METHODS: A 31-item, self-administered, online questionnaire was distributed to nutrition graduates. Binary logistic regression was used to test for predictors of RD status (vs. non-RD). RESULTS: Of the 195 participants who completed the survey (37% response rate), 68% identified as an RD and 31% did not. White students had 3.8 times higher odds of being an RD (P < 0.001) compared with students of an ethnic minority. Those who had received a student loan (P = 0.033) or lived with their parents during their degree (P = 0.004) also had significantly lower odds of being an RD. The most common barrier for not completing the dietetic internship by non-RDs was that the application process was too stressful. CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study highlight the need for the dietetics field to address systemic barriers for students of ethnic minorities and low socioeconomic backgrounds, including barriers during the degree program and in the internship selection process.

Thiamin deficiency on fetal brain development with and without prenatal alcohol exposure.

Adequate thiamin levels are crucial for optimal health through maintenance of homeostasis and viability of metabolic enzymes, which require thiamine as a co-factor. Thiamin deficiency occurs during pregnancy when the dietary intake is inadequate or excessive alcohol is consumed. Thiamin deficiency leads to brain dysfunction because thiamin is involved in the synthesis of myelin and neurotransmitters (e.g., acetylcholine, γ-aminobutyric acid, glutamate), and its deficiency increases oxidative stress by decreasing the production of reducing agents. Thiamin deficiency also leads to neural membrane dysfunction, because thiamin is a structural component of mitochondrial and synaptosomal membranes. Similarly, in-utero exposure to alcohol leads to fetal brain dysfunction, resulting in negative effects such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Thiamin deficiency and prenatal exposure to alcohol could act synergistically to produce negative effects on fetal development; however, this area of research is currently under-studied. This minireview summarizes the evidence for the potential role of thiamin deficiency in fetal brain development, with or without prenatal exposure to alcohol. Such evidence may influence the development of new nutritional strategies for preventing or mitigating the symptoms of FASD.

A Third-Generation Lipid Emulsion that Contains n-3 Long-Chain PUFAs Preserves Retinal Function in Parenterally Fed Neonatal Piglets.

BACKGROUND: Preterm neonates and those with intestinal failure require prolonged parenteral nutrition (PN) during a critical time of early central nervous system maturation. Conventional lipid emulsions fed to preterm neonates lack n-3 (ω-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs; >20 carbon chain in length). Recently, fish oil lipid emulsions have been developed that provide both n-6 (ω-6) and n-3 LC-PUFAs, precursors of very long-chain PUFAs (VLC-PUFAs; >24 carbon chain in length). OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine the effect of fish oil lipid on retinal function in neonatal piglets fed total PN with the use of the lipid emulsions available in clinical practice. We hypothesized that fish oil-containing parenteral lipid would preserve retinal function more than conventional parenteral lipid. METHODS: Male neonatal piglets (2-5 d of age) were fed isonitrogenous (16 g · kg-1 · d-1), isocaloric (1.1 MJ · kg-1 · d-1) PN that varied only in the lipid emulsion: Intralipid or SMOFlipid at 10 g · kg-1 · d-1 (n = 8/group). Retinal function was assessed after 14 d of treatment by recording electroretinograms under various light intensity conditions. Retinas were then harvested for histology and to determine fatty acid composition. RESULTS: Electroretinogram intensity response curves showed greater photoreceptor a-wave amplitude in piglets fed SMOFlipid than in those fed Intralipid (percentage), for postsynaptic depolarizing bipolar cell b-waves (percentage) and for flicker electroretinogram amplitudes (percentage) (P < 0.05). Compared with those fed Intralipid, SMOFlipid-fed piglets had greater retinal total n-3 LC-PUFAs (15.7% compared with 18.4%; P = 0.04) and n-3 VLC-PUFAs (0.9% compared with 1.5%; P = 0.02), whereas Intralipid-fed piglets had greater total n-6 LC-PUFAs (13.1% compared with 10.5%; P < 0.01) and n-6 VLC-PUFAs (0.7% compared with 0.5%; P = 0.01). Histologically, retinas were indistinguishable between groups. CONCLUSIONS: In a neonatal piglet model of PN feeding, the inclusion of fish oil-based n-3 LC-PUFAs in the lipid emulsion leads to their accretion and endogenous elongation to VLC-PUFAs in the retina, which is associated with better retinal function.

Does the Subjective Global Assessment Predict Outcome in Critically Ill Medical Patients?

BACKGROUND: The Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) is a validated nutrition assessment tool that is not commonly used to evaluate the nutritional status of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of malnutrition in critically ill medical patients using the SGA and to determine whether the SGA was predictive of patient outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on 57 consecutive patients admitted to a single tertiary care medical ICU and requiring mechanical ventilation over a 6-month time period. All SGA assessments were performed by a single dietitian trained in this assessment technique. Multiple factors including patient demographics, severity of illness, length of mechanical ventilation, length of ICU stay, and mortality were abstracted from the charts. RESULTS: The prevalence of malnutrition on admission as assessed by the SGA was 35%. Severity of illness as determined by Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score was not different between the SGA groups. Mortality rates were significantly higher in the moderately (45.5%) and severely malnourished (55.6%) groups than in the well-nourished group (10.8%; P = .004). CONCLUSION: Malnutrition on admission is common in critically ill medical patients. Malnutrition, as assessed by SGA at admission to ICU, is associated with increased mortality and thus can serve as a valuable prognostic tool in the assessment of critically ill patients. Given that that the SGA is a simple bedside assessment, it should be considered for routine use in assessing critically ill patients.

Air-Frying Is a Better Thermal Processing Choice for Improving Antioxidant Properties of Brassica Vegetables.

Brassica vegetables have demonstrated many health benefits over the years due to their composition of phenolic, flavonoid, and glucosinolate contents. However, these bioactive molecules can be easily depleted during gastronomic operations. Therefore, a sustainable method that improves their phenolic content and antioxidant activity is required for both the processors and consumers. Thermal processing has been demonstrated as a method to improve the phenolic content and antioxidant status of Brassica vegetables. In the current study, four different thermal processing methods, including freeze-drying, sautéing, steaming, and air-frying, were employed for five different Brassica vegetables, including kale, broccoli sprouts, Brussels sprouts, red cabbage, and green cabbage. The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activities were assessed using radical scavenging activity (DPPH and ABTS•+), reducing power (FRAP), and the chelating ability of metal ions. Among the methods tested, air-frying at 160 °C for 10 min showed the highest TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity of the Brassica vegetables, while sautéing showed the lowest. The steam treatments were preferred over the freeze-drying treatments. Within the vegetables tested, both kale and broccoli sprouts contained higher antioxidant properties in most of the employed processing treatments. The results also indicated that there is a strong correlation between the TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity (p < 0.05). This study indicates that air-frying could be used as a sustainable thermal processing method for improving biomolecules in Brassica vegetables.

Fatty acid compositions of immature and mature testis are differently responsive to dietary docosahexasenoic acid during development in rats exposed to prenatal ethanol.

BACKGROUND: Ethanol (EtOH) exposure impairs, but docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supports testis functions. This study investigated whether dietary DHA and prenatal EtOH exposure affected fatty acid profiles equally in immature and mature testis during developmental stages. METHODS: Female rats were exposed to ± EtOH (3g/kg BW, twice a day via gavage) throughout pregnancy, while consuming a diet supplemented ± DHA (1.4%, w/w). Pups were continued on their mother's diet after weaning with testes collected for fatty acid analysis at different stages of reproductive development, at gestational day 20 (GD20) and postnatal day (PD) 4, 21, 49, and 90, to present fetal, neonatal, weaning, prepubertal and adult stages, respectively. RESULTS: Regardless of EtOH exposure, dietary DHA significantly increased in testis DHA at all ages, with testis at weaning and prepuberty being more responsive to the diet (p<0.0002). Immature testis at GD20 and PD4 contained more DHA than n-6 docosapentaenoic acid (n-6 DPA) compared to mature testis while being well responsive to the maternal DHA diet through gestation and lactation. The level of n-6 very long chain fatty acids and (VLCFA) and n-6 DPA, distinctively increased from weaning and prepuberty, respectively, and were not reduced by the DHA diet at prepuberty and adulthood. Prenatal EtOH minimally affected testis fatty acids during development. CONCLUSION: Immature and mature testis responds differently to dietary DHA. The age around sexual maturity might be a critical time for dietary intervention as testis was more responsive to diet at this time point. The increase in DPA and n-6 VLCFA in matured testis while not affected by dietary DHA, indicates their critical roles in male reproductive function in rodents.

Dietary Intake Patterns and Lifestyle Behaviors of Pregnant Women Living in a Manitoba First Nations Community: Implications for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

The information on the nutrition status of women at-risk of carrying a child with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is scarce, particularly in the First Nations population living on reserve. This study examined and compared nutrition status, dietary intake, and lifestyle patterns of pregnant at-risk, defined as those who consume alcoholic drink during the current pregnancy, and non-at-risk women living in northern Manitoban community. Thirty-seven pregnant, First Nations women (at-risk n = 15; non-at-risk, n = 22) were recruited to participate in the study. A questionnaire, presented in paper and iPad formats, collected information on participants' demographics, dietary intake, lifestyle, pregnancy outcomes, and maternal health. A food frequency questionnaire and 24-h recall were used to determine nutrient intake. Nutrient values were assessed using Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI). At-risk and non-at-risk women were below the Canada Food Guide serving size recommended for Vegetable and Fruit, Grain, and Milk Products with 93%, 92%, and 93% of participants not meeting the recommendations, respectively. Women met the recommendations for vitamins A, B1, B12, C, niacin, choline, as well as calcium, and zinc. Sixty eight percentage (%) of participants did not meet the recommendations for folate and iron, and 97% for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Significant differences were observed between non-at-risk and at-risk women for mean % DRI intakes of vitamin C (313 ± 224 vs. 172 ± 81 mg/day), niacin (281 ± 123 vs. 198 ± 80 mg/day), folate (70 ± 38 vs. 10 ± 22 mcg/day), and iron (101 ± 74 vs. 74 ± 30 mg/day). The findings of this study lay a fundamental premise for the development of community nutrition programs, nutrition education, and nutrition intervention, such as community specific prenatal supplementation. These will assist in ensuring adequate maternal nutrient intake and benefit families and communities in Northern Manitoba with and without alcohol insult.

Testes of obese rats are highly responsive to n-3 long-chain fatty acids.

The present study investigated whether fatty acid compositions of testes are affected by the obese condition and dietary n-3 long-chain fatty acid (LCFA) intake. Male lean and obese Zucker rats were fed a 15 % (w/w, total diet) fat diet containing either 0 or 5·0 % (w/w, total fatty acids) n-3 LCFA for 8 weeks. Reproductive organ weights, sperm morphology and fatty acid composition of phosphatidylcholine (PC), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) of testes were analysed. The obese rats had significantly (P < 0·0001) smaller epididymides and seminal vesicles, larger prostates and abundant underdeveloped testes compared with lean rats. Diet treatment did not affect the sex organ weights. The effect of genotype on fatty acid composition was minor in PC and PE except for DHA (22 : 6n-3). The n-3 LCFA diet significantly (P < 0·0001) elevated 22 : 6n-3 and reduced arachidonic acid (20 : 4n-6) and DPA (22 : 5n-6) in testicular PC and PE of lean and obese rats compared with the control diet. The acylation of dietary n-3 LCFA into 22 : 6n-3 was 2-fold higher in obese rat testes than in lean rats fed the same diet. Underdeveloped testes had 70 % less 22 : 5n-6 in PC and PE than normal-size testes. Results indicate that testicular fatty acid composition is sensitive to dietary fat modulations and especially obese rats responded more to dietary n-3 LCFA than their lean counterparts. The selective reduction in 22 : 5n-6 in underdeveloped testes indicates that 22 : 5n-6 is important in male reproduction in rats and requires further study to define the role of elongation and desaturation in testicular development.