Changes in fatty acid levels (saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: During pregnancy a high amount of fatty acids (FA) is necessary to meet foetus demands, which vary during gestation. The present study describes the changes in maternal fatty acid concentrations during pregnancy in a sample of pregnant women. METHODS: This is a longitudinal study of 479 pregnant women who were monitored from the first trimester to third trimester of pregnancy. Data on maternal characteristics were recorded and a serum sample was collected in each trimester. The fatty acid profile (saturated (SFA: total, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid), monounsaturated (MUFA: total, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA: total omega-6 (n-6), linoleic acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid (AA), total omega-3 (n-3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) was analysed with a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry combination. RESULTS: From the first trimester to third trimester of pregnancy, a significant increase in total SFA, total MUFA and total n-6 PUFA was found. (p < 0.001). Nevertheless, the serum concentration of arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and total n-3 PUFA decreased during gestation (p < 0.001). A statistically non-significant result was observed for the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) serum concentration between the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. Significant correlations were observed between each total fatty acid concentrations of the first and third trimesters. CONCLUSION: The circulating serum concentration of SFA, MUFA and n-6 PUFA increases during pregnancy, whereas essential fatty acids such as AA and EPA decrease, and DHA remains unchanged. Further research is necessary to understand the role played by FA throughout gestation.

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.

Plasma and Red Blood Cell PUFAs in Home Parenteral Nutrition Paediatric Patients-Effects of Lipid Emulsions.

Background: Mixed lipid emulsions (LE) containing fish oil present several advantages compared to the sole soybean oil LE, but little is known about the safety of essential fatty acids (EFA) profile in paediatric patients on long-term Parenteral Nutrition (PN). Aim of the study: to assess glycerophosfolipid polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) levels on plasma and red blood cell (RBC) membrane of children on long term PN with composite LE containing fish oil (SMOF), and to compare it with a group receiving olive oil LE (Clinoleic®) and to the reference range for age, previously determined on a group of healthy children. Results: A total of 38 patients were enrolled, median age 5.56 (0.9-21.86) years, 15 receiving Clinoleic®, 23 receiving SMOF. Patients on SMOF showed significantly higher levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), lower levels of arachidonic acid (ARA) and Mead acid (MEAD)/ARA ratio in plasma and RBC compared with patients on Clinoleic® and with healthy children. Triene:tetraene (T:T) ratio of both groups of patients did not differ from that of healthy children-median plasma (MEAD/ARA: 0.01, interquartile rage (IQR) 0.01, p = 0.61 and 0.02, IQR 0.02, p = 0.6 in SMOF and Clinoleic® patients, respectively), and was considerably lower than Holman index (>0.21). SMOF patients showed no statistically significant differences in growth parameters compared with Clinoleic® patients. Patients of both groups showed stiffness class F0-F1 of liver stiffness measure (LSM) 5.6 (IQR 0.85) in SMOF patients and 5.3 (IQR 0.90) in Clinoleic® patients, p = 0.58), indicating absence of liver fibrosis. Conclusions: Fatty acids, measured as concentrations (mg/L), revealed specific PUFA profile of PN patients and could be an accurate method to evaluate nutritional status and eventually to detect essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD). SMOF patients showed significantly higher EPA, DHA and lower ARA concentrations compared to Clinoleic® patients. Both LEs showed similar hepatic evolution and growth.

Impact of Treatment with RUTF on Plasma Lipid Profiles of Severely Malnourished Pakistani Children.

(1) Background: Little is known on impacts of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) treatment on lipid metabolism in children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM). (2) Methods: We analyzed glycerophospholipid fatty acids (FA) and polar lipids in plasma of 41 Pakistani children with SAM before and after 3 months of RUTF treatment using gas chromatography and flow-injection analysis tandem mass spectrometry, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using univariate, multivariate tests and evaluated for the impact of age, sex, breastfeeding status, hemoglobin, and anthropometry. (3) Results: Essential fatty acid (EFA) depletion at baseline was corrected by RUTF treatment which increased EFA. In addition, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) and the ratio of arachidonic acid (AA)/linoleic acid increased reflecting greater EFA conversion to LC-PUFA, whereas Mead acid/AA decreased. Among phospholipids, lysophosphatidylcholines (lyso.PC) were most impacted by treatment; in particular, saturated lyso.PC decreased. Higher child age and breastfeeding were associated with great decrease in total saturated FA (ΣSFA) and lesser decrease in monounsaturated FA and total phosphatidylcholines (ΣPC). Conclusions: RUTF treatment improves EFA deficiency in SAM, appears to enhance EFA conversion to biologically active LC-PUFA, and reduces lipolysis reflected in decreased ΣSFA and saturated lyso.PC. Child age and breastfeeding modify treatment-induced changes in ΣSFA and ΣPC.

The Impact of Glucose-Based or Lipid-Based Total Parenteral Nutrition on the Free Fatty Acids Profile in Critically Ill Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Our study aim was to assess how the macronutrient intake during total parenteral nutrition (TPN) modulates plasma total free fatty acids (FFAs) levels and individual fatty acids in critically ill patients. METHOD: Adult patients aged 18-80, admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), who were indicated for TPN, with an expected duration of more than three days, were included in the study. Isoenergetic and isonitrogenous TPN solutions were given with a major non-protein energy source, which was glucose (group G) or glucose and lipid emulsions (Smof lipid; group L). Blood samples were collected on days 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, 14, and 28. RESULTS: A significant decrease (p < 0.001) in total FFAs occurred in both groups with a bigger decrease in group G (p < 0.001) from day 0 (0.41 ± 0.19 mmol∙L-1) to day 28 (0.10 ± 0.07 mmol∙L-1). Increased palmitooleic acid and decreased linoleic and docosahexaenoic acids, with a trend of increased mead acid to arachidonic acid ratio, on day 28 were observed in group G in comparison with group L. Group G had an insignificant increase in leptin with no differences in the concentrations of vitamin E, triacylglycerides, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. CONCLUSION: Decreased plasma FFA in critically ill patients who receive TPN may result from increased insulin sensitivity with a better effect in group G, owing to higher insulin and glucose dosing and no lipid emulsions. It is advisable to include a lipid emulsion at the latest from three weeks of TPN to prevent essential fatty acid deficiency.

Influence of lung transplantation on the essential fatty acid profile in cystic fibrosis.

Lung transplantation is assumed to normalize essential fatty acid (EFA) profile in the plasma, described as abnormal in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). This study sought to evaluate the EFA profile in both the plasma and erythrocyte membrane according to lung status by comparing CF patients with or without a lung transplant. A total of 50 homozygous F508del patients (33 CF patients [CF group] and 17 CF patients with a lung transplant [TX CF group]) were included. In comparison with the CF group, in the plasma, the levels of total n-3, α-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acids were higher and the n-6/n-3 ratio was lower in the TX CF group. Yet, these differences were not observed in the erythrocyte membrane. This study supports that lung transplantation improves the EFA profile in the plasma but not in the erythrocyte membrane by means of the different mechanisms suggested in this article.

Short-Term Effect of One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass on Essential Fatty Acids in the Serum of Obese Patients.

One-anastomosis gastric bypass is a promising type of bariatric surgery, but it may lead to a deficiency in important nutrients, such as fatty acids. The short-term effects of one-anastomosis gastric bypass on serum fatty acids have not been studied thus far. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of one-anastomosis gastric bypass on serum fatty acid composition two weeks after surgery. This study included 38 patients who underwent one-anastomosis gastric bypass as surgical treatment for morbid obesity. Serum fatty acid composition was analyzed before and two weeks after surgery using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. We observed a decrease in essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (p < 0.001 for linolenic acid and p < 0.001 for linoleic acid) and odd-chain fatty acids (p = 0.004) in the serum of obese patients shortly after a one-anastomosis gastric bypass. Considering the benefits of the aforementioned fatty acids for human health, the implementation of a fatty-acid-rich diet or the use of supplementation may be recommended for patients immediately after one-anastomosis gastric bypass.

The association of maternal polyunsaturated fatty acids during pregnancy with social competence and problem behaviours at 7 years of age: The MEFAB cohort.

BACKGROUND: The prenatal exposure to maternal n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) might influence the development of social competence and internalizing and externalizing behaviours of the child, because of the numerous functions of PUFAs within the nervous system. METHODS: To analyse the association of selected maternal PUFAs (i.e., AA, EPA, DHA, total n-6, total n-3, and the n-6:n-3 ratio) measured during gestation with childhood social competence and problem behaviours, we examined 311 mother-child pairs from the Maastricht Essential Fatty Acid Birth (MEFAB) cohort. For each woman, PUFA-specific changes in relative concentrations were calculated by identifying the best-fitting curve of PUFA concentration by linear splines of gestational age. The associations of changes in maternal PUFAs in early and late pregnancy with childhood social competence, total problems, internalizing and externalizing behaviours, measured with the Child Behaviour Checklist 4/18 at age 7, were investigated with linear regression analyses adjusted for maternal and children's socio-demographic characteristics. RESULTS: In late gestation (i.e., from gestational week 30), an increase in AA was associated with higher social competence, while a decrease in total n-6 was associated with lower externalizing behaviours. No other significant associations were found. DISCUSSION: In this prospective study, increasing maternal AA and decreasing total n-6 were associated with improved social competence and externalizing behaviours, respectively, in 7-year old children. Nonetheless, the clinical significance of the identified associations is modest and further investigations are warranted to clarify the relationship between maternal AA and total n-6 during pregnancy and childhood social and behavioural development.

Topical essential fatty acid oil on wounds: Local and systemic effects.

BACKGROUND: The use of medicinal plants and their derivatives is increasing, and approximately one-third of all traditional herbal medicines are intended for wound treatment. Natural products used in these treatments include vegetable oils, which are rich in essential fatty acids. Once in contact with an ulcerative surface, the oil reaches the blood and lymphatic vessels, thus eliciting systemic effects. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the local and possible systemic effects of essential fatty acids (sunflower oil) applied topically to rat wounds. METHODS: Cutaneous punch wounds (6 mm) were produced on the dorsa of 30 rats. Saline (SS), mineral oil (MO) or essential fatty acid (EFA) solutions were applied topically. Healing was evaluated after 2, 4 and 10 days (n = 5 per group) by visual and histological/morphometric examination, second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy, and cytokine and growth factor quantification in the scar tissue (real-time PCR) and in serum (ELISA). RESULTS: MO/EFA-treated animals had higher IGF-1, leptin, IL-6 and IFN-γ mRNA expression and lower serum IL-6 levels than the control (SS/MO) animals. SHG analysis showed no difference in collagen density between the animals treated with MO and EFA. CONCLUSION: EFA treatment induces topical (observed by local IGF-1, leptin, IL-6 and IFN-γ production) and systemic effects, lowering IL-6 levels in the serum. As the oil is widely used to shorten ulcer healing time, studies are needed to evaluate the treatment safety and possible undesired effects.

Essential Fatty Acid Status in Surgical Infants Receiving Parenteral Nutrition With a Composite Lipid Emulsion: A Case Series.

Infants requiring prolonged parenteral nutrition (PN) may receive intravenous (IV) lipid in the form of soybean oil, fish oil, or a composite lipid emulsion (CLE) (i.e., SMOFlipid®). Soybean oil lipid-dose restriction is a popular method of treating and reducing the risk of intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD) that may influence dosing strategies of other IV fat emulsions. Here we present 4 infants receiving PN with SMOFlipid® as their IV lipid source and examine trends in essential fatty-acid status, triglycerides, and dosing strategy. The infants on restricted doses of CLE developed biochemical essential fatty-acid deficiency (EFAD) that resolved with a dosage increase or by transition to a pure fish-oil lipid emulsion. Three of the 4 infants originally prescribed CLE were diagnosed with IFALD and started a pure fish-oil lipid emulsion after treatable causes of cholestasis were excluded. One of the 4 infants presented with hypertriglyceridemia that resolved upon transition to pure fish-oil lipid emulsion. Misapplication of lipid restriction protocols to CLE regimens render infants at risk for EFAD. CLE should be dosed within recommended ranges to prevent EFAD. Restricted protocols warrant close monitoring of essential fatty-acid status in infants receiving prolonged PN, particularly in those with minimal or no enteral intake. Hypertriglyceridemia and cholestasis are known adverse effects of CLE and require monitoring.

Intravenous lipid emulsions and liver function in adult chronic intestinal failure patients: results from a randomized clinical trial.

AIM: Intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) can become a risk factor for intestinal failure associated liver disease (IFALD). Many ILEs are commercially available, however, a direct comparison of their impact on liver has, to our knowledge, never been performed. The aim of the study was to analyse that clinical problem during long term parenteral nutrition (PN). METHODS: A randomized, controlled clinical trial was performed at the Intestinal Failure Center in Skawina, Poland. Sixty-seven patients (37 F, 30 M, mean age 53.9 years) enrolled in home parenteral nutrition (HPN) due to stable chronic intestinal failure (CIF) were randomized to receive one the following for 12 months: long-chain triglycerides (LCT), medium/long-chain triglycerides, olive oil/LCT (OO/LCT) and a mix of LCT/MCT/OO/fish oil. Clinical evaluation and biochemical tests (total bilirubin, SGOT, SGTP, GGPT, alkaline phosphatase) were performed at enrolment and after 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: the most common reason for intestinal failure (IF) was short bowel due to mesenteric ischaemia, followed by Crohn's disease, surgical complications and radiation enteritis. PN stabilized liver parameters in all patients. No essential fatty acids deficiency was diagnosed. All four ILEs demonstrated comparable influence on liver in all study periods. The only exception was the decrease in total bilirubin concentration after 12 months (28.1 ± 25.3vs 11.1 ± 4.5, p = 0.0023) and GGTP (222.5 ± 205.8vs 146.6 ± 197.7, p = 0.0079) when OO/LCT was in use. CONCLUSIONS: All four ILEs tested may be safe even during long-term parenteral nutrition. OO/LCT may be more effective than the others, but more studies in the field are needed.

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.

Children With Intestinal Failure Undergoing Intestinal Rehabilitation Are at Risk for Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Essential fatty acid (EFA) status may be compromised during the intestinal failure (IF) rehabilitation. Parenteral lipid restriction is used to treat intestinal failure associated liver disease (IFALD), while the enteral fatty acid (FA) absorption remains limited. We analyzed the FA status among pediatric IF and intestinal insufficiency patients. METHODS: We evaluated 49 patients aged 0-18 years attending our nationwide IF referral center. Their serum FA fractions were determined and examined against previous nutrition, parenteral lipid emulsion, and intestinal anatomy data. The patients were divided into 3 subgroups according to their dependence on parenteral nutrition (PN): full enteral (EN) (n = 33), supplemental PN (n = 14) or predominantly PN (n = 20). Trien:tetraen ratio (TTR) ≥0.2 was considered diagnostic for essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD) and increased risk was suspected if TTR exceeded 0.1. RESULTS: We identified 8 (16%) patients with elevated TTR ≥0.1; in 3 of them the ratio exceeded 0.2. Five of these children belonged to supplemental PN group. This group carried the highest incidence of elevated TTR (P = 0.0016), with median TTR at 0.06 (interquartile range 0.03-0.09) and two-thirds of the analyzed TTR ≥0.5. Increased EFAD risk was associated with young age (P = 0.0291), current PN with low parenteral lipid content (P = 0.0003), and short remaining small bowel (P = 0.0013). CONCLUSIONS: IF children with supplemental PN carry the highest overall risk for EFAD. Young age, current PN, and short remaining small bowel also increase the risk for EFAD.

Erythrocyte fatty acid composition of Nepal breast-fed infants.

PURPOSE: Essential fatty acids play a critical role in the growth and development of infants, but little is known about the fatty acid status of populations in low-income countries. The objective was to describe the fatty acid composition of red blood cells (RBC) in breastfeed Nepali infants and a subsample of their mothers and to identify the main sources of fatty acids in the mother's diet, as well as the fatty acid composition of breast milk. METHODS: RBC fatty acid composition was analyzed in a random sample of 303 infants and 72 mother, along with 68 breastmilk samples. Fatty acid profiles of the most important dietary fat sources were analyzed. Information on mother's diet and intake of fat was collected by three 24-h dietary recalls. RESULTS: In infant RBC's, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was the main n-3 fatty acid, and arachidonic acid (AA) was the major n-6 fatty acid. Total n-6 PUFA was three times higher than total n-3 PUFA. Height-for-age (HAZ) was positively associated with DHA status and AA status in multivariable models. The concentration of all fatty acids was higher in children, compared to mothers, except Total n-6 PUFA and Linoleic acid (LA) where no differences were found. The mother's energy intake from fat was 13% and cooking oil (sesame, mustard, soybean or sunflower oil) contributed 52% of the fat intake. CONCLUSIONS: RBC-DHA levels in both infants and mother was unexpected high taking into account few dietary DHA sources and the low DHA concentrations in breastmilk.

B Cell Activity Is Impaired in Human and Mouse Obesity and Is Responsive to an Essential Fatty Acid upon Murine Influenza Infection.

Obesity is associated with increased risk for infections and poor responses to vaccinations, which may be due to compromised B cell function. However, there is limited information about the influence of obesity on B cell function and underlying factors that modulate B cell responses. Therefore, we studied B cell cytokine secretion and/or Ab production across obesity models. In obese humans, B cell IL-6 secretion was lowered and IgM levels were elevated upon ex vivo anti-BCR/TLR9 stimulation. In murine obesity induced by a high fat diet, ex vivo IgM and IgG were elevated with unstimulated B cells. Furthermore, the high fat diet lowered bone marrow B cell frequency accompanied by diminished transcripts of early lymphoid commitment markers. Murine B cell responses were subsequently investigated upon influenza A/Puerto Rico/8/34 infection using a Western diet model in the absence or presence of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA, an essential fatty acid with immunomodulatory properties, was tested because its plasma levels are lowered in obesity. Relative to controls, mice consuming the Western diet had diminished Ab titers whereas the Western diet plus DHA improved titers. Mechanistically, DHA did not directly target B cells to elevate Ab levels. Instead, DHA increased the concentration of the downstream specialized proresolving lipid mediators (SPMs) 14-hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid, 17-hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid, and protectin DX. All three SPMs were found to be effective in elevating murine Ab levels upon influenza infection. Collectively, the results demonstrate that B cell responses are impaired across human and mouse obesity models and show that essential fatty acid status is a factor influencing humoral immunity, potentially through an SPM-mediated mechanism.

Micronutrients, Essential Fatty Acids and Bone Health in Phenylketonuria.

INTRODUCTION: In phenylketonuria (PKU), a natural protein-restricted dietary treatment prevents severe cognitive impairment. Nutrient deficiencies may occur due to strict diet. This study is aimed at evaluating the dietary intake and blood concentrations of micronutrients and essential fatty acids (FA), bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture history in patients on long-term dietary treatment. METHODS: Sixty early diagnosed Dutch patients (aged 1-39 years) were included in a multi-center cross-sectional study. Their dietary intake, blood concentrations of micronutrients, FA, fracture history and BMD were assessed. RESULTS: Selenium dietary intake and serum concentrations were low in 14 and 46% of patients, respectively. The serum 25-OH vitamin D2 + D3 concentration was low in 14% of patients while 20% of patients had a low vitamin D intake. Zinc serum concentrations were below normal in 14% of patients, despite adequate intake. Folic acid serum concentrations and intake were elevated. Despite safe total protein and fat intake, arginine plasma concentrations and erythrocyte eicosapentaenoic acid were below reference values in 19 and 6% of patients, respectively. Low BMD (Z-score <-2) was slightly more prevalent in patients, but the lifetime fracture prevalence was comparable to the general population. CONCLUSIONS: Dutch patients with PKU on long-term dietary treatment have a near normal nutrient status. Supplementation of micronutrients of which deficiency may be deleterious (e.g., vitamin D and selenium) should be considered. BMD warrants further investigation.

Essential fatty acid deficiency during parenteral soybean oil lipid minimization.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if parenteral lipid minimization in infants results in essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study of infants >30 days old and >34 weeks postmenstrual age receiving parenteral lipid minimization (<1.5 g kg-1 per day) with either soybean oil or fish oil and >90% of total nutritional intake parenterally in the 14 days before a serum EFA sample. Nonparametric tests were used for statistical analyses with significance at 0.05. RESULTS: Fifteen samples on soybean oil and nine on fish oil were included. Energy and macronutrient intakes and weight gain were similar between groups. Biochemical EFA deficiency occurred in 60% receiving soybean oil but none receiving fish oil (P<0.01). Average daily weight gain was 49% less in EFA deficient infants than EFA sufficient infants (P=0.02). CONCLUSION: Infants on lipid minimization with parenteral soybean oil, but not fish oil, are at high risk of biochemical EFA deficiency with slower weight gain.

Maternal intake of dietary virgin coconut oil modifies essential fatty acids and causes low body weight and spiky fur in mice.

BACKGROUND: Coconut oil is commonly used as herbal medicine worldwide. There is limited information regarding its effects on the developing embryo and infant growth. METHODS: We investigated the effect of virgin coconut oil post-natally and until 6 weeks old in mice (age of maturity). Females were fed with either standard, virgin olive oil or virgin coconut oil diets 1 month prior to copulation, during gestation and continued until weaning of pups. Subsequently, groups of pups borne of the respective diets were continuously fed the same diet as its mother from weaning until 6 weeks old. Profiles of the standard and coconut oil diets were analysed by gas chromatography flame ionization detector (GCFID). RESULTS: Analysis of the mean of the total weight gained/ loss over 6 weeks revealed that in the first 3 weeks, pups whose mothers were fed virgin coconut oil and virgin olive oil have a significantly lower body weight than that of standard diet pups. At 6 weeks of age, only virgin coconut oil fed pups exhibited significantly lower body weight. We report that virgin coconut oil modifies the fatty acid profiles of the standard diet by inducing high levels of medium chain fatty acids with low levels of essential fatty acids. Furthermore, pups borne by females fed with virgin coconut oil developed spiky fur. CONCLUSION: Our study has demonstrated that virgin coconut oil could affect infant growth and appearance via maternal intake; we suggest the use of virgin coconut oil as herbal medicine to be treated with caution.

Long-Term Fish Oil Lipid Emulsion Use in Children With Intestinal Failure-Associated Liver Disease [Formula: see text].

BACKGROUND: Fish oil lipid emulsion (FOLE) and multidisciplinary care for infants with intestinal failure (IF) have been associated with reduced morbidity and mortality due to IF-associated liver disease (IFALD). With increased survival, a greater proportion of infants with IF are now able to remain on parenteral nutrition (PN) in the long term. The purpose of this study was to examine outcomes in children with IFALD who have required long-term PN and FOLE therapy due to chronic IF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of prospectively collected data was performed for children with IFALD who required at least 3 years of PN and FOLE therapy due to chronic IF. Outcomes examined include the incidence of death, transplantation, and essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD), as well as growth parameters and the biochemical markers of liver disease. RESULTS: Of 215 patients with IFALD treated from 2004-2015, 30 required PN and FOLE therapy for at least 3 years (median, 4.6 years). To date, no patients have died, required transplantation, or developed EFAD. Biochemical markers of liver disease normalized within the first year of therapy with no recurrent elevations in the long term. Weight-for age and length-for-age z scores improved and PN dependence decreased in the first year of therapy, with a stable rate of growth in the long term. CONCLUSIONS: Children with IFALD who required long-term PN and FOLE for chronic IF had no mortality, need for transplantation, EFAD, or recurrence of liver disease in the long term, allowing for continued intestinal rehabilitation.

Whole-blood fatty acids are associated with executive function in Tanzanian children aged 4-6 years: a cross-sectional study.

Essential fatty acids (EFA) are PUFA that are metabolised to long-chain PUFA and are important for brain development and cognitive function. The objective of this study was to determine the association between whole-blood EFA and cognitive function in Tanzanian children. A total of 325 2-6-year-old children attempted the dimensional change card sort (DCCS) tasks to assess executive function. Blood samples were collected for fatty acid (FA) analysis by GC. Associations between executive function and FA levels were assessed by regression. Among the 130 4-6-year-old children who attempted the DCCS tasks, whole-blood levels of linoleic acid were positively associated with executive function, whereas whole-blood levels of α-linolenic acid and nervonic acid were inversely associated with executive function. A full model including all twenty-five FA explained 38 % of the variation in executive function, whereas a reduced model including only the EFA (α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid), DHA and EPA explained 25 % of the variation in executive function. Children who had sufficient whole-blood levels of EFA were 3·8 times more likely to successfully complete all DCCS tasks compared with children with insufficient EFA. These results suggest that whole-blood FA levels are associated with cognitive abilities. Intervention trials that include assessment of whole-blood FA levels are required to determine the relationships between intake, blood levels and executive function in Tanzanian children.