Abstract
Maternal diet during pregnancy is relevant for fatty acid supply during fetal life and lactation. Arachidonic (AA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids are also relevant for the normal growth and development of brain and visual system. AA and DHA provided by the mother to the fetus and infant are directly associated with maternal dietary intake and body stores. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of maternal diet, specially referring to the quality of fatty acid intake, in a sample of Chilean women during last stage of pregnancy and across the lactation period. Fifty healthy pregnant women (age range 20–33 years) were studied from the 6th month of pregnancy and followed until 6th month of lactation period. Diet characteristics were evaluated through food frequency questionnaires. Fatty acids composition of erythrocyte phospholipids and breast milk samples was assessed by gas-liquid chromatography. Overall, women had high saturated fatty acids intake with sufficient intake of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Diet was high in n-6 PUFA and low in n-3 PUFA (mainly DHA), with imbalanced n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio. Erythrocytes and breast milk DHA concentration was significantly reduced during lactation compared to pregnancy, a pattern not observed for AA. We concluded that is necessary to increase the intake of n-3 PUFA during pregnancy and lactation by improving the quality of consumed foods with particular emphasis on its DHA content.
Highlights
Arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6, AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3, DHA) are long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) that have a relevant role in different metabolic and physiological process during embryonic and fetal development, and the first years of life [1]
Exclusion criteria were women with history of drug or alcohol consumption; with current consumption of n-6 and/or n-3 LCPUFA supplements; who were underweight; who had a history of twins; who had been diagnosed with chronic diseases such as diabetes, arterial hypertension, or other illnesses that could affect fetal growth
The diet and the metabolism of fatty acids of women during pregnancy and lactation have a relevant role in determining the levels of LCPUFA present in erythrocytes and breast milk [26,27]
Summary
Arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6, AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3, DHA) are long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) that have a relevant role in different metabolic and physiological process during embryonic and fetal development, and the first years of life [1]. In addition, can store LCPUFA during pregnancy and lactation to ensure an adequate flow of AA and DHA to the fetus and newborn [9]. The transport of AA and DHA from the mother to embryo and fetus is facilitated by specific transporter proteins that enhance the transfer of these fatty acids through the placenta [10]. During this period, women can incorporate AA and DHA in their diet by eating eggs and meat (as sources of preformed AA) and fatty fish (i.e., tuna, mackerel, and salmon, among others) as a sources of preformed DHA [11]). In addition to the high dietary intake of n-6 fatty acids, the synthesis of AA from LA when this fatty acid is highly consumed is more efficient than the synthesis of DHA from
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
