Abstract
It is unknown whether a novel small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplement (SQ-LNS) containing alpha-linolenic (ALA) and linoleic acids impacts maternal plasma lipids and fatty acid status. We measured plasma fatty acids (wt%) and lipid concentrations at 36 wk gestation and breast milk fatty acids (wt%) at 6 months postpartum in a subsample of women enrolled in a randomized controlled trial studying the effects of SQ-LNS on birth outcomes and child growth. Women≤20 wk gestation in Ghana (n=1,320) and Malawi (n=1,391) were assigned to receive daily either: 1) iron-folic acid (pregnancy); 2) multiple micronutrients (pregnancy and lactation); or 3) SQ-LNS (pregnancy and lactation). At 36 wk, plasma ALA levels were higher in those receiving SQ-LNS. SQ-LNS increased breast milk ALA in Ghana but not Malawi. There was no effect on plasma lipids or other selected fatty acids. SQ-LNS may impact plasma and breast milk ALA levels depending on the population.
Highlights
Adequate amounts of the essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, omega-3) and linoleic acid (LA, omega-6) are required during pregnancy and lactation for optimal fetal and infant growth [1]
This was a sub-study of participants from two randomized controlled trials conducted in Malawi and Ghana as part of the International Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements Project
The primary objective of these trials was to determine the effect of Small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS), provided during pregnancy, lactation, and early childhood, on child growth at 18 months of age, as compared with iron-folic acid (IFA) provided during pregnancy or multiple micronutrient (MMN) provided to the mother during pregnancy and the first six months postpartum
Summary
Adequate amounts of the essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, omega-3) and linoleic acid (LA, omega-6) are required during pregnancy and lactation for optimal fetal and infant growth [1]. Fatty acid consumption and body stores of the mother have a direct effect on fetal and infant fatty acid status [1]. Fatty acid supplementation trials in pregnant populations have primarily focused on the long-chain fatty acid derivatives of ALA – docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) [2] – due to the accumulation of DHA in the brain and retina and the low conversion rate of ALA to DHA (approximately 9% of ALA converts to DHA in women) [3]. One trial to date, conducted in the Netherlands, has examined the effect of maternal ALA supplementation on fatty acid status during pregnancy [6]. ALA supplementation led to higher concentrations of ALA, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) (wt%) in maternal plasma at delivery but had no effect on DHA or AA
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