Impact of DHA status on serum markers of obesity and inflammation in pregnant women (1001.4)

Abstract

Different dietary fatty acids impact disease prevention and susceptibility. Among these, the N‐3 (omega‐3) long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential nutrients and are proposed to be health promoting while saturated fatty acids are often associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. Omega‐3 fatty acids are critical for fetal and newborn neurodevelopment and must be acquired from the mother by placental transfer. The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of omega‐3 fatty acid status in pregnant women on biomarkers of obesity and inflammation. RBC fatty acid composition and a complete dietary assessment was employed to determine DHA status and intake. Total fatty acid analysis was also performed on blinded maternal plasma samples. The levels of specific fatty acid species were then compared with the levels of the targeted biomarkers of obesity and inflammation. We found significant correlations between: palmitate and leptin levels; palmitate and insulin levels; and DHA and lipocalin 2 levels. This research is of value to understand the impact of DHA status in mid‐pregnancy on adipogenic biomarkers.Grant Funding Source: Supported by: Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, USDA Hatch and NIFA