Hematological and blood chemistry responses to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) supplementation in baboon neonates

Abstract

We evaluated the response of blood parameters of neonatal baboons consuming infant formulas with differing amounts of DHA/ARA. Nursery reared baboons (Papio cynocephalus) were randomized to one of three diets: Control (C, no DHA-ARA, n=5); 1× LCPUFA (L, 0.32%DHA-0.64%ARA, n=4); 3× LCPUFA (L3, 0.96%DHA-0.64%ARA, n=5), and blood was sampled at biweekly intervals from 2 to 12 weeks of age. Hematology measures were made at 2, 4, 8, 10 and 12 weeks while blood chemistry parameters were assessed at 6 and 12 weeks of age. Statistical analyses were by repeated measures ANOVA and a random coefficient regression model (SAS 9.1, Cary, NC) with p<0.05 cutoff. Hematology: Significant differences due to diet were observed for hemoglobin (HB) (C<L<L3), hematocrit (HCT) (C<L<L3) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW); red blood cell count (RBC) was marginal (p=0.06). RBC values for all diet treatments decreased over time. Blood Chemistry: Significant changes in plasma triglycerides (TG, C>L,L3) and calcium (C<L ; L>L3) were detected. These first hematological data on DHA/ARA supplemented non-human primate neonates reveal HB, HCT, and RDW consistently higher with DHA supplementation at a given time point. Reduction in plasma TG is consistent with similar human adult data. Changes in plasma calcium levels may reflect modifications in mechanisms mediating calcium dynamics, bone turnover and mineralization. Support by Mead Johnson Nutritionals and NIH DK07158.