Blood fatty acid analysis reveals similar n-3 fatty acid composition in non-pregnant and pregnant women and their neonates in an Israeli pilot study.

Maternal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is required during pregnancy to supply for normal fetal growth and development. This pilot study aimed to assess the unknown fatty acid (FA) composition in a cohort of non-pregnant and pregnant Israeli women at term and their offspring on a normal diet without n-3 FA supplementation. The fatty acid profile, analyzed using gas chromatography, showed significantly higher plasma monounsaturated (MUFA) and lower n-6 FA percent distribution with similar n-3 index, in pregnant compared to non-pregnant women. RBC exhibited significantly higher MUFA with similar n-3 index, in pregnant compared to non-pregnant women. N-3 FA significantly correlated between neonates' plasma, with higher n-3 index, and pregnant women's DHA. Conclusion: DHA levels in non-pregnant and pregnant Israeli women at term were comparable and the DHA in pregnant women's plasma positively correlated with their neonate's level, suggesting an efficient mother-fetus FA transfer and/or fetal fatty acid metabolism to longer FA products.

Gestational diabetes mellitus decreased umbilical cord blood polyunsaturated fatty acids: a meta-analysis of observational studies.

BACKGROUND: Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) is important for the development of the fetal brain, and the retina. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) may influence maternal and fetal fatty acid metabolism, in turn affecting fetal growth and development. In several studies, maternal and fetal PUFA metabolic differences have been reported between mothers with and without GDM, but not in other studies. Thus, the aim of this meta-analysis (registration number: CRD42020220448) was to compare levels of linoleic acid (LA), α-linolenic acid (ALA), arachidonic acid (AA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and total n-3 and n-6 PUFA between mothers with and without GMD and their fetuses. METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis of observational studies on maternal and fetal fatty acid metabolism, published until May 2021. In addition, we performed subgroup analysis depending on the analyzed tissues (plasma/serum, erythrocyte membrane, or placenta) and the expression modes of fatty acids (concentration or percentage). RESULTS: We included 24 observational studies involving 4335 maternal datasets and 12 studies involving 1675 fetal datasets in the meta-analysis. Levels of AA, DHA, and n-6 and n-3 PUFA were lower in the cord blood of mothers with GDM than in controls (P  <  0.05). Compared to that in controls, in erythrocyte membranes, the percentages of AA, DHA, and n-6 and n-3 PUFA in total fatty acid were lower in mothers with GDM (P  <  0.05), but in plasma/serum, the percentages of AA, DHA, and n-6 PUFA in total fatty acid were higher in mothers with GDM (P  <  0.05). CONCLUSIONS: GDM appears to influence the transfer of PUFAs from mothers to fetuses. The percentage of PUFAs in maternal plasma/serum was higher, and that in erythrocyte membranes was lower in mothers with GDM compared to those with normal glucose tolerance.

Complex patterns of circulating fatty acid levels in gestational diabetes mellitus subclasses across pregnancy.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: To investigate the relationship between maternal serum fatty acid levels and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) subtypes across pregnancy. METHODS: A total of 680 singleton mothers enrolled in the Complex Lipids in Mothers and Babies (CLIMB) study in Chongqing, China were included. Clinical information and serum samples were collected at gestational weeks (GWs) 11-14, 22-28, and 32-34. 75 g Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) was conducted at GW 24-28 and GDM subtypes divided into three groups using International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group (IADPSG) guidelines criteria: elevated fasting plasma glucose (FPG group; n = 59); 1-h and/or 2-h post-load glucose (1h/2h-PG group; n = 94); combined group (FPG&1h/2h-PG group; n = 42). Non-GDM pregnancies were included (n = 485) as controls. Twenty fatty acids were quantified in serum using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. RESULTS: Overall, most serum fatty acid concentrations increased rapidly from the first to second trimester, followed by a plateauing or reduction in the third trimester (p < 0.001). In cross sectional analysis, fatty acid concentrations were significantly higher in the FPG group at GW 11-14 and decreased in the 1h/2h-PG group at GW 32-34, relative to controls. Moreover, higher α-linolenic acid (ALA; the second tertile: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.53, 95% CI: 1.17 to 5.47; the third tertile: aOR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.20 to 5.65) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; the second tertile: aOR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.10 to 4.97; the third tertile: aOR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.00 to 4.63) were significantly associated with a higher risk of GDM in women with elevated fasting plasma glucose at GW 11-14 (first tertile as reference). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the importance of considering GDM subtypes for the individualised management of GDM in pregnancy. ALA and DHA in early pregnancy are associated with a higher risk of FPG-GDM subtype. This has widespread implications when recommending n-3 PUFAs supplementation for women with GDM.

Time Course and Sex Effects of α-Linolenic Acid-Rich and DHA-Rich Supplements on Human Plasma Oxylipins: A Randomized Double-Blind Crossover Trial.

BACKGROUND: Differences in health effects of dietary α-linolenic acid (ALA) and DHA are mediated at least in part by differences in their effects on oxylipins. OBJECTIVES: Time course and sex differences of plasma oxylipins in response to ALA- compared with DHA-rich supplements were examined. METHODS: Healthy men and women, aged 19-34 y and BMI 18-28 kg/m2, were provided with capsules containing ∼4 g/d of ALA or DHA in a randomized double-blind crossover study with >6-wk wash-in and wash-out phases. Plasma PUFA and oxylipin (primary outcome) concentrations at days 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 of supplementation were analyzed by GC and HPLC-MS/MS, respectively. Sex differences, supplementation and time effects, and days to plateau were analyzed. RESULTS: ALA supplementation doubled ALA concentrations, but had no effects on ALA oxylipins after 28 d, whereas DHA supplementation tripled both DHA and its oxylipins. Increases in DHA oxylipins were detected as early as day 1, and a plateau was reached by days 5-7 for 11 of 12 individual DHA oxylipins and for total DHA oxylipins. Nine individual DHA oxylipins reached a plateau in females with DHA supplementation, compared with only 4 in males. A similar time course and sex difference pattern occurred with EPA and its oxylipins with DHA supplementation. DHA compared with ALA supplementation also resulted in higher concentrations of 4 individual arachidonic acids, 1 linoleic acid, and 1 dihomo-γ-linolenic acid oxylipin, despite not increasing the concentrations of these fatty acids, further demonstrating that oxylipins do not always reflect their precursor PUFA. CONCLUSIONS: DHA compared with a similar dose of ALA has greater effects on both n-3 and n-6 oxylipins in young, healthy adults, with differences in response to DHA supplementation occurring earlier and being greater in females. These findings can help explain differences in dietary effects of ALA and DHA.This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02317588.

Alpha-Linolenic and Linoleic Fatty Acids in the Vegan Diet: Do They Require Dietary Reference Intake/Adequate Intake Special Consideration?

Good sources of the long-chain n-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) include cold-water fish and seafood; however, vegan diets (VGNs) do not include animal-origin foods. Typically, US omnivores obtain enough dietary EPA and DHA, but unless VGNs consume algal n-3 supplements, they rely on endogenous production of long-chain fatty acids. VGN diets have several possible concerns: (1) VGNs have high intakes of linoleic acid (LA) as compared to omnivore/non-vegetarian diets. (2) High intakes of LA competitively interfere with the endogenous conversion of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) to EPA and DHA. (3) High somatic levels of LA/low ALA indicate a decreased ALA conversion to EPA and DHA. (4) Some, not all VGNs meet the Dietary Reference Intake Adequate Intake (DRI-AI) for dietary ALA and (5) VGN diets are high in fiber, which possibly interferes with fat absorption. Consequently, health professionals and Registered Dietitians/Registered Dietitian Nutritionists working with VGNs need specific essential fatty acid diet guidelines. The purpose of this review was: (1) to suggest that VGNs have a DRI-AI Special Consideration requirement for ALA and LA based on VGN dietary and biochemical indicators of status and (2) to provide suggestions to ensure that VGNs receive adequate intakes of LA and ALA.

Single-Dose SDA-Rich Echium Oil Increases Plasma EPA, DPAn3, and DHA Concentrations.

The omega-3 (n3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are associated with health benefits. The primary dietary source of EPA and DHA is seafood. Alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) has not been shown to be a good source for EPA and DHA; however, stearidonic acid (SDA)-which is naturally contained in echium oil (EO)-may be a more promising alternative. This study was aimed at investigating the short-term n3 PUFA metabolism after the ingestion of a single dose of EO. Healthy young male subjects (n = 12) ingested a single dose of 26 g of EO after overnight fasting. Plasma fatty acid concentrations and relative amounts were determined at baseline and 2, 4, 6, 8, 24, 48, and 72 h after the ingestion of EO. During the whole examination period, the participants received standardized nutrition. Plasma ALA and SDA concentrations increased rapidly after the single dose of EO. Additionally, EPA and DPAn3 concentrations both increased significantly by 47% after 72 h compared to baseline; DHA concentrations also significantly increased by 21% after 72 h. To conclude, EO increases plasma ALA, SDA, EPA, DPAn3, and DHA concentrations and may be an alternative source for these n3 PUFAs.

Comparisons of Estimated Intakes and Plasma Concentrations of Selected Fatty Acids in Pregnancy.

The growing interest in potential health effects of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) makes it important to evaluate the method used to assess the fatty acid intake in nutrition research studies. We aimed to validate the questionnaire-based dietary intake of selected PUFAs: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), α-linolenic acid (ALA), linoleic acid (LA), and arachidonic acid (AA) within the Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC), by comparing 345 women's reported intake with concentration of plasma biomarkers. The applied questionnaire- and biomarker data reflect dietary intake from around the same time point in mid-pregnancy and relationships were investigated by use of Pearson and Spearman correlation and linear regression statistics. We demonstrated moderate but consistent adjusted correlations between dietary intake estimates and the corresponding plasma biomarker concentrations (differences in plasma concentration per 100 mg/day greater intake of 0.05 (95% CI: 0.02; 0.08)) and 0.05 (95% CI: 0.01; 0.08) percentage of total plasma fatty acids for EPA and DHA, respectively). The associations strengthened when restricting the analyses to women with ALA intake below the median intake. We found a weak correlation between the dietary intake of ALA and its plasma biomarker with a difference in plasma concentration of 0.07 (95% CI: 0.03; 0.10) percent of total plasma fatty acids per 1 g/day greater intake, while the dietary intake of LA and AA did not correlate with their corresponding biomarkers.

Fear of cancer recurrence among breast cancer survivors could be controlled by prudent dietary modification with polyunsaturated fatty acids.

BACKGROUND: The pathophysiology of fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), the leading unmet psychological need of cancer survivors, may involve the dysfunctional processing of fear memory. n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have beneficial effects on psychiatric disorders, including depressive disorder and anxiety disorders, and are involved in fear memory processing. We hypothesized that n-3 PUFA composition is associated with FCR in cancer survivors. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study to examine the relationship between n-3 PUFAs and FCR among breast cancer survivors. Adults who had been diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and were not undergoing chemotherapy were asked to participate. Blood PUFA composition was evaluated by using capillary blood. We directly administered the Concerns About Recurrence Scale (CARS) to assess the grade of FCR. RESULTS: Among 126 participants used for the analysis, the mean age (SD) was 58 (11) years and 47% had stage I cancer. Multiple regression analysis controlling for possible confounders, depressive symptoms, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms revealed that the alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) level was significantly inversely associated with the average score on the CARS overall fear index (beta = -0.165, p = 0.04). No significant associations were found for other PUFAs. LIMITATIONS: Our findings were obtained from a cross-sectional study in a single institute. CONCLUSION: These findings provide the first evidence of a beneficial effect of ALA on FCR and indicate the need for prospective study of this association. FCR among breast cancer survivors might be controllable by prudent selection of ALA-containing cooking oil.

α-Linolenic acid is associated with MRI activity in a prospective cohort of multiple sclerosis patients.

BACKGROUND: The plant-based ω-3 fatty acid α-linolenic acid (ALA) has been associated with lower MS risk. It is currently unknown whether ALA affects disease activity. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between ALA levels and disease activity. METHODS: We conducted a cohort study including 87 multiple sclerosis (MS)-patients who originally participated in a randomized trial of ω-3 fatty acids (the OFAMS study). We measured serum levels of ALA during follow-up and used random intercept logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between ALA levels, new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) progression and new relapses adjusting for age at inclusion, sex, and use of interferon beta-1a. RESULTS: In continuous (per 1-SD increase) multivariable-adjusted analyses, higher ALA levels were significantly associated with lower odds of new T2-lesions (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.37-0.95) during follow-up. The effect estimates were similar for new T1Gd + lesions (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.48-1.11), EDSS-progression (OR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.34-1.16) and new relapses (OR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.22-1.10), but these estimates did not reach statistical significance. Further adjustment for vitamin D and tobacco use did not materially change the results. CONCLUSION: We found that higher levels of ALA were associated with lower disease activity in MS-patients.

Lipoprotein Profile in Aged Rats Fed Chia Oil- or Hydroxytyrosol-Enriched Pork in High Cholesterol/High Saturated Fat Diets.

Restructuring pork (RP) by adding new functional ingredients, like Chia oil (one of the richest natural source of α-linolenic acid) or hydroxytyrosol (HxT) (potent antioxidant), both with hypolipidemic activities, is one of the strategies that may help to reduce the potential negative effects of high meat products consumption. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Chia oil- or HxT-enriched-RP effect on the lipoprotein profile of aged rats fed high-fat, high-energy, and cholesterol-enriched diets. RP samples were prepared by mixing lean pork and lard with or without Chia oil (152.2 g/kg fresh matter) or HxT (3.6 g/kg fresh matter). Diets were prepared by mixing a semisynthetic diet with freeze-dried RP. Groups of 1-year male Wistar rats were fed the following experimental diets for 8 weeks: C, control-RP diet; HC, cholesterol-enriched-RP diet; and Chia oil-RP (CHIA) and HxT, Chia oil- or hydroxytyrosol-RP, cholesterol-enriched diet. Plasma lipid, lipoprotein profile, SREBP-1c protein, and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) receptor gene (Ldlr) expressions were evaluated. Compared to C diet, the HC diet increased plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids, total lipids, and SREBP-1c expression, but reduced Ldlr expression and significantly modified the lipoprotein profile, giving rise to the presence of high levels of atherogenic cholesterol-enriched very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) particles. Compared to the HC diet, the HxT diet did not produce significant changes in feed intake but it reduced the body weight. Chia oil and HxT partially arrested the negative effects of the high-fat, high-energy, and cholesterol-enriched meat-based diets on lipemia and lipoproteinemia, mostly by reducing the amount of cholesterol content in VLDL (60% and 74% less in CHIA and HxT vs. HC, respectively) and the VLDL total mass (59% and 63% less in CHIA and HxT vs. HC, respectively). Free fatty acids (FFA) significantly correlated with adipose tissue weight and VLDL total mass (both p < 0.05), and plasma triglycerides, phospholipids, total lipids, and SREBP-1c (all p < 0.001), suggesting the important role of FFA in lipoprotein metabolism. Results support the recommendation to include these ingredients in pork products addressed to reduce the presence of increased atherogenic particles in aged people at CVD risk consuming large amounts of pork.

Effect of supplementation with flaxseed oil and different doses of fish oil for 2 weeks on plasma phosphatidylcholine fatty acids in young women.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Although assumed, it remains unclear that fatty acid (FA) biomarkers of n-3 long-chain PUFA reflect wide ranges of intake. However, to be utilised as biomarkers, to predict dietary intake, dose-response curves that cover a spectrum of intakes are required. The aim of the study was to investigate whether the FA composition of plasma phosphatidylcholine (PC) is a sensitive biomarker of n-3 FAs from fish oil, across a range of supplementation doses, and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) supplementation, in young, healthy women. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 303 young women were randomised to intakes ranging between 0.33 and 4.50 g EPA+DHA/day from fish oil (not all doses used in each year) or flaxseed oil (5.90-6.60 g/d) daily for 14 days in a series of trials, over 5 years. Fasting blood was collected at baseline (day 0) and day 14 and plasma PC FA composition, total and HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations measured. RESULTS: Fourteen days supplementation with fish oil significantly (P < 0.01) increased, in a dose-dependent fashion, plasma PC EPA, DPA and DHA at all doses except 1 and 3 mL/day. For the combined group of women who consumed any fish oil there was a 16% (P < 0.01) decrease in plasma triacylglycerol concentrations after 14 days supplementation. Flaxseed oil supplementation for 14 day resulted in significant (P < 0.01) increases in ALA, EPA and DPA, whilst DHA remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate plasma PC is a sensitive biomarker of n-3 FA intake and reflects changes within 14 days across a range of intakes.

Effects on Fatty Acid Metabolism of a New Powdered Human Milk Fortifier Containing Medium-Chain Triacylglycerols and Docosahexaenoic Acid in Preterm Infants.

Preterm infants require fortification of human milk (HM) with essential fatty acids (FA) to ensure adequate post-natal development. As part of a larger randomized controlled study, we investigated FA metabolism in a subset of 47 clinically stable preterm infants (birth weight ≤1500 g or gestational age ≤32 weeks). Infants were randomized to receive HM supplemented with either a new HM fortifier (nHMF; n = 26) containing 12.5 g medium-chain FA (MCFA), 958 mg linoleic acid (LA), 417 mg α-linolenic acid (ALA), and 157 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per 100 g of powder (in compliance with the latest guidelines) or a fat-free HMF (cHMF; n = 21). Plasma phospholipid (PL) and triacylglycerol (TAG), and red blood cell phosphatidylcholine (RBC-PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (RBC-PE) FA profiles were assessed before and after 21 days of feeding. In the nHMF group, significantly increased levels of n-9 monounsaturated fatty acids were observed, formed most likely by elongation and desaturation of dietary saturated fatty acids present in HM. ALA fortification increased ALA assimilation into plasma TAG. Similarly, DHA fortification enriched the DHA content in RBC-PE, which, in this compartment, was not associated with lower arachidonic acid levels as observed in plasma TAG and phospholipids. RBC-PE, a reliable indicator of FA metabolism and accretion, was the most sensitive compartment in this study.

Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and cancer: any cause for concern?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Recently, concerns have been raised with regard to the recommended doses of marine long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-omega-3 PUFAs) especially in relation to cancer risk and treatment. There is urgent need to clarify this point. This review considers the most recent evidence related to the potential risk of developing cancer with high LC-omega-3 PUFA intakes, and possible research strategies to better elucidate this matter. RECENT FINDINGS: The latest published recommendations have still highlighted the usefulness of an increased dietary intake of LC-omega-3 PUFAs for the prevention of some cardiovascular diseases. However, LC-omega-3 PUFAs have been related to the potential development and progression of cancer, and considerable debate exists on this issue. SUMMARY: The use of biomarkers reflecting the intake of LC-omega-3 PUFAs as cancer risk markers is discussed, as well as the possibility that the reported beneficial/deleterious effects may be confined to specific subpopulations on the basis of genetic, metabolic, and nutritional characteristics. Recent advances on new strategies for a safer intake of LC-omega-3 PUFAs will be considered, as their dietary sources may be contaminated by toxic/carcinogenic compounds. Potentially future directions in this important research area are also discussed.

Validation of an equation predicting highly unsaturated fatty acid (HUFA) compositions of human blood fractions from dietary intakes of both HUFAs and their precursors.

Proportions of omega-3 (n-3) and omega-6 (n-6) in 20- and 22-carbon highly unsaturated fatty acids with 3 or more double bonds (HUFA) accumulated in tissue HUFA (e.g., the %n-6 in HUFA) are biomarkers reflecting intakes of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids. An empirical equation, referred to here as the Lands' Equation, was developed previously to use dietary intakes of n-6 and n-3 HUFA and their 18-carbon precursors to estimate the %n-6 in HUFA of humans. From the PubMed database, we identified clinical trials reporting (a) dietary intake of at least linoleic acid (18:2n-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n-3), and (b) the amounts of at least arachidonic acid (20:4n-6), eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3), and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) in lipids of plasma, serum, or red blood cell. Linear regression analyses comparing reported and predicted %n-6 in HUFA gave a correlation coefficient of 0.73 (p<0.000000) for 34 studies with 92 subject groups. These results indicate that circulating HUFA compositions can be reliably estimated from dietary intake data that not only includes n-3 and n-6 HUFA consumption, but also includes consumption of 18 carbon n-3 and n-6 precursor fatty acids.

Precision Nutrition and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: A Case for Personalized Supplementation Approaches for the Prevention and Management of Human Diseases.

BACKGROUND: Dietary essential omega-6 (n-6) and omega-3 (n-3) 18 carbon (18C-) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA), can be converted (utilizing desaturase and elongase enzymes encoded by FADS and ELOVL genes) to biologically-active long chain (LC; >20)-PUFAs by numerous cells and tissues. These n-6 and n-3 LC-PUFAs and their metabolites (ex, eicosanoids and endocannabinoids) play critical signaling and structural roles in almost all physiologic and pathophysiologic processes. METHODS: This review summarizes: (1) the biosynthesis, metabolism and roles of LC-PUFAs; (2) the potential impact of rapidly altering the intake of dietary LA and ALA; (3) the genetics and evolution of LC-PUFA biosynthesis; (4) Gene-diet interactions that may lead to excess levels of n-6 LC-PUFAs and deficiencies of n-3 LC-PUFAs; and (5) opportunities for precision nutrition approaches to personalize n-3 LC-PUFA supplementation for individuals and populations. CONCLUSIONS: The rapid nature of transitions in 18C-PUFA exposure together with the genetic variation in the LC-PUFA biosynthetic pathway found in different populations make mal-adaptations a likely outcome of our current nutritional environment. Understanding this genetic variation in the context of 18C-PUFA dietary exposure should enable the development of individualized n-3 LC-PUFA supplementation regimens to prevent and manage human disease.

Dietary supplementation of α-linolenic acid induced conversion of n-3 LCPUFAs and reduced prostate cancer growth in a mouse model.

BACKGROUND: α-linolenic acid (ALA) is an n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and the substrate for long-chain n-3 PUFAs. The beneficial effects of ALA on chronic diseases are still in dispute, unlike those of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). METHODS: The primary objective of this investigation was to evaluate the efficiency of ALA uptake from a vegetable oil source and its subsequent conversion to n-3 long-chain PUFAs (LCPUFAs) in the tissues of growing mice, and to investigate its protective role in a prostate cancer animal model. We carried out the investigation in prostate-specific Pten-knockout mice with specified low-ALA (L-ALA, 2.5%) and high-ALA (H-ALA, 7.5%) diets. Total fatty acids in blood, liver, epididymal fat pad, prostate were detected and prostate weight were adjusted for body weight (mg/25 g). RESULTS: We found that dietary ALA triggered significant increases in ALA, EPA, docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and DHA levels and a significant decrease in arachidonic acid levels during the mice's growth stage. A dose-dependent effect was observed for ALA, EPA and DPA, but not DHA. Furthermore, the average prostate weights in the L-ALA and H-ALA groups were lower than those in the control and n-6 groups, and similar to those in the EPA and n-3 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that dietary supplementation with ALA is an efficient means of improving n-3 LCPUFAs in vivo, and it has a biologically effective role to play in prostate cancer, similar to that of fish oils.

Dietary intake of α-linolenic acid and risk of age-related macular degeneration.

Background: The relation between α-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-derived omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is unclear. European researchers reported that ≤40% of ALA can be present as trans forms.Objective: We aimed to evaluate the associations between intake of ALA and intermediate and advanced AMD.Design: Seventy-five thousand eight hundred eighty-nine women from the Nurses' Health Study and 38,961 men from Health Professionals Follow-Up Study were followed up from 1984 to 2012 and from 1986 to 2010, respectively. We assessed dietary intake by a validated food-frequency questionnaire at baseline and every 4 y thereafter. One thousand five hundred eighty-nine incident intermediate and 1356 advanced AMD cases (primarily neovascular AMD) were confirmed by medical record review.Results: The multivariable-adjusted HR for intermediate AMD comparing ALA intake at the top quintile to the bottom quintile was 1.28 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.56; P-trend = 0.01) in the analyses combining 2 cohorts. The HR in each cohort was in the positive direction but reached statistical significance only in the women. However, the positive association was apparent only in the pre-2002 era in each cohort and not afterward (P-time interaction = 0.003). ALA intake was not associated with advanced AMD in either time period. Using gas-liquid chromatography, we identified both cis ALA (mean ± SD: 0.13% ± 0.04%) and trans ALA isomers (0.05% ± 0.01%) in 395 erythrocyte samples collected in 1989-1990. In stepwise regression models, mayonnaise was the leading predictor of erythrocyte concentrations of cis ALA and one isomer of trans ALA. We also found trans ALA in mayonnaise samples.Conclusions: A high intake of ALA was associated with an increased risk of intermediate AMD before 2002 but not afterward. The period before 2002 coincides with the same time period when trans ALA was found in food and participants' blood; this finding deserves further study.

Disorders of serum omega-3 fatty acid composition in dialyzed patients, and their associations with fat mass.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. Lipid disorders, a constant feature of CKD, might contribute to this state. The aim of this study was to evaluate n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) composition in CKD patients treated with dialysis, in comparison to the general population and to assess possible associations between the n-3 PUFA profile and anthropometric variables. Thirty-three prevalent dialysis patients were studied and compared with an age- and sex-adjusted control group of 22 patients. Fatty acid composition in serum was analyzed by gas chromatography with a mass spectrometer detector (GC-MS) and anthropometric measures were assessed by bioimpedance spectroscopy. The fatty acid profile of dialyzed patients was characterized by a significantly lower percentage content of n-3 PUFA. For α-linolenic acid (ALA), it was 0.21 ± 0.09% in dialysis patients versus 0.33 ± 0.11% in the control group (p < .001). For eicosapentanoic acid (EPA), 0.59 ± 0.23% versus 1.15 ± 0.87% (p < .001), and for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) 1.11 ± 0.50% versus 1.75 ± 0.87% (p < .001), respectively. The amount of n-3 PUFA decreased with time on dialysis and it correlated positively with body fat mass. For DHA, this correlation was r = .48 (p < .01) and for EPA r = .40 (p < .05). Patients with CKD have a relatively low content of n-3 PUFA which may contribute to their high cardiovascular risk. Patients with a higher content of body fat are characterized by a favorable fatty acid composition.

Clinical Benefits of n-3 PUFA and ɤ-Linolenic Acid in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

(1) Background: Marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and ɤ-linolenic acid (GLA) are well-known anti-inflammatory agents that may help in the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Their effects were examined in patients with rheumatoid arthritis; (2) Methods: Sixty patients with active rheumatoid arthritis were involved in a prospective, randomized trial of a 12 week supplementation with fish oil (group I), fish oil with primrose evening oil (group II), or with no supplementation (group III). Clinical and laboratory evaluations were done at the beginning and at the end of the study; (3) Results: The Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS 28 score), number of tender joints and visual analogue scale (VAS) score decreased notably after supplementation in groups I and II (p < 0.001). In plasma phospholipids the n-6/n-3 fatty acids ratio declined from 15.47 ± 5.51 to 10.62 ± 5.07 (p = 0.005), and from 18.15 ± 5.04 to 13.50 ± 4.81 (p = 0.005) in groups I and II respectively. The combination of n-3 PUFA and GLA (group II) increased ɤ-linolenic acid (0.00 ± 0.00 to 0.13 ± 0.11, p < 0.001), which was undetectable in all groups before the treatments; (4) Conclusion: Daily supplementation with n-3 fatty acids alone or in combination with GLA exerted significant clinical benefits and certain changes in disease activity.

Dietary Buglossoides Arvensis Oil Increases Circulating n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in a Dose-Dependent Manner and Enhances Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Whole Blood Interleukin-10-A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Buglossoides arvensis (Ahiflower) oil is a dietary oil rich in stearidonic acid (20% SDA; 18:4 n-3). The present randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigated the effects of three Ahiflower oil dosages on omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content of plasma and mononuclear cells (MCs) and of the highest Ahiflower dosage on stimulated cytokine production in blood. Healthy subjects (n = 88) consumed 9.7 mL per day for 28 days of 100% high oleic sunflower oil (HOSO); 30% Ahiflower oil (Ahi) + 70% HOSO; 60% Ahi + 40% HOSO; and 100% Ahi. No clinically significant changes in blood and urine chemistries, blood lipid profiles, hepatic and renal function tests nor hematology were measured. Linear mixed models (repeated measures design) probed for differences in time, and time × treatment interactions. Amongst significant changes, plasma and MC eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5 n-3) levels increased from baseline at day 28 in all Ahiflower groups (p < 0.05) and the increase was greater in all Ahiflower groups compared to the HOSO control (time × treatment interactions; p < 0.05). Similar results were obtained for α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3 n-3), eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA, 20:4 n-3), and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, 22:5 n-3) content; but not docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3). Production of interleukin-10 (IL-10) was increased in the 100% Ahiflower oil group compared to 100% HOSO group (p < 0.05). IL-10 production was also increased in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated M2-differentiated THP-1 macrophage-like cells in the presence of 20:4 n-3 or EPA (p < 0.05). Overall; this indicates that the consumption of Ahiflower oil is associated with an anti-inflammatory phenotype in healthy subjects.