Sensitivity of fetus and pups to excess levels of maternal intakes of alpha linolenic acid at marginal protein levels in Wistar rats

Abstract

There is growing interest in the role omega 3 fatty acids (n3), in promoting fetal growth. Present study examined whether alpha linolenic acid, primary vegetarian dietary omega 3 fatty acid source and precursor to cellular membrane phospholipid eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, can improve birth outcome. Pregnant dams from three groups (seven in each) were fed: control diet (18% protein with 7% soybean oil, normal alpha linolenic acid), or two treatment diets at marginal protein level of 12%; one with 7% soybean oil (Treatment I, normal alpha linolenic acid), and other with 3% flax oil and 4% soybean oil (Treatment II, four times normal alpha linolenic acid) during gestation. There was a reduction in litter size and litter weight ( p < 0.05) at birth in the Treatment II group as compared to the Control group. Alpha linolenic acid ( p < 0.05), eicosapentaenoic acid ( p < 0.05) levels increased while arachidonic acid levels ( p < 0.05) reduced in gastric milk at birth and blood at end of lactation in Treatment II as compared to Treatment I group. Brain fatty acid levels showed reduction ( p < 0.05) only in docosahexaenoic acid levels in dams from Treatment I and Treatment II, at the end of lactation. Results suggest sensitivity of fetus and pups for excess levels of alpha linolenic acid ’in a diet at marginal protein level’.