Postprandial metabolism of EPA and DHA is affected by the normal menstrual cycle in young females

Abstract

Our aims were to investigate the postprandial metabolism of EPA and DHA during the follicular (FP) and luteal (LP) phases of the menstrual cycle of young females. Fourteen volunteers (21 to 36 years) were studied during the FP (3 to 9 d) and the LP (17 to 25 d) of their menstrual cycles. We collected blood samples after an overnight fast at baseline and at regular time intervals after the intake of a standardized meal: 870 kcal, 62% lipids, 29% carbohydrates, 2 g of fish oil, containing 360 mg EPA and 240 mg DHA. Blood samples were taken with 60 min intervals for up to three hours. The fatty acid composition of erythrocytes and total plasma were determined by gas‐chromatography. The apparent absorptions of EPA and DHA were significantly different (p< 0.05) between the follicular and luteal phases (average ± SD): 751,07 ± 681,19 and 110,30 ± 734,33, and 1938,94 ± 2831,34 and 1294,61 ± 2959,25, respectively. The nutritional status of DHA was positively associated with the apparent absorption of EPA, but not of DHA itself. DHA levels both in erythrocyte and in total plasma lipids presented significant (p< 0.05) positive correlations with the apparent absorption of EPA. Results indicate that the hormonal milieu, naturally occurring during the menstrual cycle, might affect the postprandial metabolism of DHA and EPA, and also that DHA status might affect n‐3 fatty acid absorption. Financial Support: FAPERJ, CNPq, CAPES (Brazil).