Dietary Fatty Acid Supplementation Research Articles

Oral linolenic acid dietary supplementation in posterior blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction

Aim The aim of this research is to study the role of oral linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acids) dietary supplementation in posterior blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in patients attending the Outpatient Clinic at Fayoum University Hospital. Patients and methods Fifty patients with moderate to severe chronic blepharitis and simple obstructive MGD were included in the study. Patients received oral omega-3 dietary supplementation consisting of one 1000-mg capsule once daily and were examined every 6 weeks for 3 months. Objective clinical measures included tear production (Schirmer I with anesthesia), tear film stability (fluorescein tear break-up time), ocular surface health (fluorescein surface staining), tear meniscus height, plugged meibomian gland orifices, and eyelid telangiectasia. Results Twenty-four (48%) patients had an age between 45 and 60 years, 20 (40%) patients were more than 60 years old, and six (12%) patients were less than 45 years old. The male to female ratio was 1 : 2. Twelve (24%) male patients were smokers, whereas four (8%) female patients were using oral contraceptive pills. Twenty-two (44%) patients were hypertensive, whereas eight (16%) patients were diabetic. There was a significant improvement of dry-eye symptoms, signs, tear break-up time, Schirmer test, and meibomian gland orifices after 3 months of oral linolenic acid use. Conclusion The results after 3 months of treatment and follow-up were very satisfactory for the efficacy. Oral linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acids) is effective in the treatment of moderate to severe chronic blepharitis and MGD.

Dietary supplements and drugs for preeclampsia prophylaxis

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity during pregnancy. Many different strategies to prevent PE have been investigated in randomized controlled trials, but none have been found to be widely effective and this is not surprising given the complexities in pathogenesis. Low-dose aspirin, diminishing platelet thromboxane synthesis, seems to prevent or delay PE. A meta-analysis of individual patient data from 32,217 women (PARIS collaborative group) asses that low-dose aspirin during pregnancy is associated with moderate reduction in the relative risk of PE (RR 0.90 95%CI 0.84–0.97), of birth before 34 weeks’ gestation (RR 0.90 95%CI 0.83–0.98), and of having a pregnancy with a serious adverse outcome (RR 0.90 95%CI 0.85–0.96). This effect seems to be more significant in women at high risk of developing PE. Regarding diet and nutrients, there does not appear to be any clear benefit for prevention of PE from routine dietary supplementation. There is high quality evidence that vitamin C and vitamin E are not effective for prevention or treatment of PE. Actually a meta-analyses found that supplementation with these antioxidants is associated with a slightly increased risk of gestational hypertension and premature rupture of membranes. Also there is not enough high-quality evidence to show that dietary magnesium or omega-3 fatty acids supplementation during pregnancy is beneficial. Calcium supplementation instead appears to reduce the risk of PE and the rare occurrence of the composite outcome ’death or serious morbidity’ specially in women with a low baseline calcium intake. Some studies assess that preeclamptic women may be deficient in nitric oxide, which mediates vasodilatation and inhibits platelet aggregation. For this reason NO donors, such as isosorbide dinitrate, glyceryl trinitrate and S-Nitroglutathione, were used in some trials as treatment in preeclamptic women. Despite the reduction in blood pressure and in uterine artery pulsatility index, these substances were rarely used in clinical practice because of adverse effects such as headache or preoxynitrite production. Also l -arginine, the substrate for synthesis of nitric oxide, has been investigated as a mean of preventing PE. Even though a dysfunction of the l -arginine-NO pathway that seems to be present in preeclamptic women, l -arginine load appears to be associated with increased nitric oxide (NO) production, hypotension and reduction of PE/eclampsia rate. Also in obese women there is a dysfunction of the l -arginine-NO pathway that causes a decrease of endothelial-dependent vasodilatation. In these women a l -arginine supplement could be helpful. Conclusion Aspirin proven to be of some help provided dose and timing are adequate. Impact on PE is limited, and its use is better in high-risk. Calcium supply could be helpful in population with low dietary intake. l -Arginine supplementation is worth to receive the same attention aspirin had also considering that biological activity seems wider. Actual evidences are more robust than the ones that allows wasting time and money for Vitamins C and E.

Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation of young post-pubertal dairy bulls alters the fatty acid composition of seminal plasma and spermatozoa but has no effect on semen volume or sperm quality

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of dietary supplementation with rumen protected n-6 or n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on the quantity and quality of semen from young post-pubertal dairy bulls. Pubertal Holstein-Friesian (n = 43) and Jersey (n = 7) bulls with a mean ± s.e.m. age and bodyweight of 420.1 ± 5.86 days and 382 ± 8.94 kg, respectively, were blocked on breed, weight, age and semen quality (based on the outcomes of two pre-trial ejaculates) and randomly assigned to one of three treatments: (i) a non-supplemented control (CTL, n = 15), (ii) rumen-protected safflower (SO, n = 15), (iii) rumen-protected n-3 PUFA-enriched fish oil (FO, n = 20). Bulls were fed their respective diets, ad libitum for 12 weeks; individual intakes were recorded using an electronic feeding system for the initial 6 weeks of the feeding period. Semen was collected via electro-ejaculation at weeks −2, −1, 0, 7, 10, 11 and 12 relative to the beginning of the trial period (week 0). On collection, semen volume, sperm concentration and progressive linear motility (PLM) were assessed. On weeks −2, −1, 0, 10, 11, 12, semen was packaged into 0.25 mL straws and frozen using a programmable freezer. On weeks −1, 7 and 11; a sub-sample of semen was separated into sperm and seminal plasma, by centrifugation and stored at – 20 °C until analysis of lipid composition. Semen from 10 bulls per treatment were used for post-thaw analysis at weeks 10, 11 and 12 (3 straws per ejaculate). Sperm motility was analysed by computer assisted semen analysis (CASA). In addition, membrane fluidity, acrosome reaction and oxidative stress were assessed using flow cytometry. Sperm from bulls fed SO had a 1.2 fold higher total n-6 PUFA content at week 11 compared to week −1 (P < 0.01) while bulls fed FO had a 1.3 fold higher total n-3 PUFA content, in sperm by week 11 (P < 0.01). There was no effect of diet on semen volume, concentration or PLM of sperm when assessed either immediately following collection or post-thawing. Membrane fluidity and oxidative stress of sperm were also not affected by diet. The percentage of sperm with intact-acrosomes was lower in CTL bulls compared to those fed SO (P < 0.01). In conclusion, while the lipid composition of semen was altered following dietary supplementation with either n-6 or n-3 based PUFA, this did not lead to measurable improvements in the quantity or quality of semen produced by young post-pubertal dairy bulls.

Polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements could considerably promote the breeding performance of carp

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were hypothesized to promote the breeding performance of carp (Cyprinus carpio). The effects of different dietary PUFAs supplements were investigated on the breeding performance of brood female carps. The carps were fed for a period of 90 days using five different diets with three repeats each diet: (i) Control diet (control) contained only basic ingredients; (ii) fish oil diet (FO) contained added fish oil (rich in n‐3 HUFAs); (iii) perilla oil diet (PO) contained added perilla oil (rich in n‐3 PUFAs); (iv) safflower oil diet (SO) contained added safflower oil (rich in n‐6 PUFAs); (v) safflower‐fish oil diet (SO + FO) contained added a mixture of safflower and fish oils (rich in both n‐6 and n‐3 HUFAs). The results showed that nutritional quality of the diet considerably influenced breeding performance in the carp. The number of matured female carps was the highest in SO + FO (fully bred 100 ± 0.00%), the second in FO (fully bred 80.00 ± 1.81%), the third in SO (fully bred 78.00 ± 2.25%), the fourth in PO (fully bred 76.00 ± 3.08%), and the lowest in control (fully bred 60.00 ± 1.23%). The relative fecundity was significantly increased in SO + FO, FO, SO, and PO as compared to control (p &lt; 0.05). The maximum fertilization was 73.40 ± 3.02% in SO + FO, followed by 65.30 ± 4.16, 59.00 ± 7.90, 56.80 ± 2.04, and 56.30 ± 5.18% in FO, SO, PO, and control, respectively. Conclusions were drawn that dietary supplementation of both n‐6 and n‐3 PUFAs is essential to improve gonadal maturation, breeding performance, and spawn recovery in the female carp's brood‐stock; a suitable ratio of supplementing n‐6 and n‐3 PUFAs is necessary in brood‐stock diets.Practical applications:The breeding performance of brood female fish is very important for aquaculture. Dietary n‐3 and n‐6 PUFAs can improve brood‐stock performance. A sufficient supply of n‐6 and n‐3 PUFAs is vital and available to brood‐stock during embryogenesis and larval development, proliferation, and differentiation of cells. However, n‐6 and n‐3 PUFAs have to be supplied in the diet of fish, either as AA, EPA, and DHA, or as their precursors, such as linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n‐6, precursor of AA) and α‐linolenic acid (LNA, 18:3n‐3, precursor of EPA and DHA) since they cannot be synthesized in vivo by most metazoans. The present work explores to promote the breeding performance of carp using PUFA supplements. The results show that PUFA supplements could considerably promote the breeding performance of carp.The dietary supplementation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) could considerably promote the breeding performance of carp (Cyprinus carpio) as shown in Figure.

Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Dietary Supplementation on Ocular Surface and Tear Film in Diabetic Patients with Dry Eye

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids on ocular surface and tear film in patients with type 2 diabetes suffering from dry eye.Methods: Thirty-six patients suffering from type 2 diabetes and moderate to severe dry eye syndrome were included in the study. Patients were assigned to receive omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids for 3 months. Tear film break-up time test, Schirmer-I test, and conjunctival impression cytology analysis were performed on all patients at baseline and after 1 and 3 months. The subjective symptoms of dry eye were evaluated with the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire at the same time points.Results: Patients’ average age was 65.57 ± 4.27 years and the mean duration of diabetes was 14.85 ± 5.4 years. There was a statistically significant increase in Schirmer-I test results and tear break-up time score after 3 months of supplementary intake of omega-3 fatty acids compared to baseline (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). Impression cytology demonstrated a significantly lower grade of conjunctival squamous cell metaplasia after 1 and 3 months of omega-3 fatty acids intake compared to baseline (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). The OSDI score was statistically significant lower both at 1 and 3 months after omega-3 fatty acids supplementation compared to baseline (p < 0.001).Conclusions: Omega-3 fatty acids may effectively improve tear film characteristics, reverse ocular surface features, and alleviate the subjective symptoms associated with dry eye syndrome in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in an animal model of anxiety

A large body of evidence suggests that dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may ameliorate depressed mood. The magnitude of the effect varies between studies, however, ranging from none at all to being of clinical significance. Given that substantial comorbidity occurs between mood and anxiety disorders, suggesting that they have one or more pathophysiological mechanisms in common, we hypothesized that omega-3 fatty acids may be acting primarily to reduce anxiety rather than depression per se, a possibility which could underlie their variable effects on mood. To test this hypothesis rats were fed for 8 weeks with diets containing one of three types of omega-3 fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, as well as a low omega-3 fatty acid control diet. Although brain omega-3 fatty acid concentrations were altered by dietary supplementation with eicospentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, no significant change in anxiety related behaviors were observed compared to the control group as assessed by the elevated-plus maze test. Our data therefore do not support an anxiolytic effect of omega-3 fatty acids and suggest that any effect of these lipids on mood likely occurs by a mechanism unrelated to reducing anxiety.

Delayed Docosahexaenoic Acid Treatment Combined with Dietary Supplementation of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Promotes Long-Term Neurovascular Restoration After Ischemic Stroke.

Prophylactic dietary intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) has been shown to remarkably ameliorate ischemic brain injury. However, the therapeutic efficacy of n-3 PUFA administration post-stroke, especially its impact on neurovascular remodeling and long-term neurological recovery, has not been fully characterized thus far. In this study, we investigated the effect of n-3 PUFA supplementation, as well as in combination with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) injections, on long-term stroke outcomes. Mice were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) before randomly assigned to four groups to receive the following: (1) low dose of n-3 PUFAs as the vehicle control, (2) intraperitoneal DHA injections, (3) n-3 PUFA dietary supplement, or (4) combined treatment of (2) and (3). Neurological deficits and brain atrophy, neurogenesis, angiogenesis, and glial scar formation were assessed up to 28days after MCAO. Results revealed that groups 2 and 3 showed only marginal reduction in post-stroke tissue loss and attenuation of cognitive deficits. Interestingly, group 4 exhibited significantly reduced tissue atrophy and improved cognitive functions compared to groups 2 and 3 with just a single treatment. Mechanistically, the combined treatment promoted post-stroke neurogenesis and angiogenesis, as well as reduced glial scar formation, all of which significantly correlated with the improved spatial memory in the Morris water maze. These results demonstrate an effective therapeutic regimen to enhance neurovascular restoration and long-term cognitive recovery in the mouse model of MCAO. Combined post-stroke DHA treatment and n-3 PUFA dietary supplementation thus may be a potential clinically translatable therapy for stroke or related brain disorders.

Dietary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation Improves the Quality of Stallion Cryopreserved Semen

The objective was to assess the influence of polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on the quality of fresh, cooled, and frozen-thawed stallion semen. Ten stallions received their normal diet (control group) or normal diet plus 150 mL of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) linseed-based oil (PUFA group). Semen was collected every 15 days during 60 days. Stallions were reversed across the treatments after a sixty-day interval. Semen was evaluated at 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours after cooling and 24 hours after freezing. Motility (MOT), vigor, membrane viability, morphology, acrosome integrity, and osmotic tolerance test (OTT) were evaluated. In the frozen-thawed semen, sperm dynamic characteristics were analyzed by computer-assisted sperm analysis and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) determined. The effects of treatment, time, semen type, and their interactions were submitted to PROCMIX (SAS) and means compared by the Tukey test. There was no treatment effect on the quality of fresh and cooled semen. However, frozen-thawed semen MOT, vigor, and OTT were superior (P < .05) in control compared to PUFA group. An interactive effect of sample day by treatment was observed, such that, TBARs increased over time (P = .002) in the PUFA group after 15, 30, 45, and 60 days from the beginning of supplementation. Thus, sperm may become more susceptible to the reactive oxygen species, probably due to the incorporation of polyunsaturated fat in the cell membrane. The addition of PUFA-enriched oil may be an alternative for improving frozen-thawed semen quality by increasing its MOT and resistance to osmotic changes to which sperm cells are submitted during the freezing process.

Dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and oleate enhances exercise training effects in patients with metabolic syndrome.

We studied the effects of exercise training alone or combined with dietary supplementation of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Ω-3PUFA) and oleate on metabolic syndrome (MSyn) components and other markers of cardiometabolic health. Thirty-six patients with MSyn underwent 24 weeks of high-intensity interval training. In a double-blind randomized design, half of the group ingested 500 mL/day of semi-skim milk (8 g of fat; placebo milk) whereas the other half ingested 500 mL/day of skim milk enriched with 275 mg of Ω-3PUFA and 7.5 g of oleate (Ω-3 + OLE). Ω-3 + OLE treatment elevated 30% plasma Ω-3PUFA but not significantly (P = 0.286). Improvements in VO2peak (12.8%), mean blood pressure (-7.1%), waist circumference (-1.8%), body fat mass (-2.9%), and trunk fat mass (-3.3%) were similar between groups. However, insulin sensitivity (measured by intravenous glucose tolerance test), serum concentration of C-reactive protein, and high-density lipoprotein improved only in the Ω-3 + OLE group by 31.5%, 32.1%, and 10.3%, respectively (all P < 0.05). Fasting serum triacylglycerol, glucose, and plasma fibrinogen concentrations did not improve in either group after 24 weeks of intervention. Diet supplementation with Ω-3PUFA and oleate enhanced cardiometabolic benefits of intense aerobic exercise training in patients with MSyn.

Use Of Dietary Supplements, Energy and Protein Bars, Gels and Drinks Among Elite Collegiate Endurance Runners

Elite endurance runners represent a population at risk of developing low energy availability, which may alter hormone function, bone metabolism and increase injury risk. Few studies profile the dietary and supplement intake of elite endurance runners during the competitive season. PURPOSE: Outline the intake of vitamin & mineral, amino acid, herb & botanical, fatty acid dietary supplements as well as the intake of other food and beverages taken to supplement the diet. METHODS: A sample of 90 elite collegiate endurance runners completed a web-based survey evaluating food patterns, dietary intake, dietary supplement use, and intake of performance bars, gels and drinks. RESULTS: Among the sample of 90 endurance runners, 81.1% reporting currently taking a vitamin or mineral, herb or botanical, fatty acid, amino acid, caffeine or other dietary supplements on ≥4 days per week. While 33.3% noted taking only 1-2 supplements, 47.8% reported current use of 3 or more supplements. On average, the runners reported current use of 2.2 +/- 1.8 supplements on ≥4 days per week. Among the runners, 37.8% were taking only vitamin or mineral supplements, while 40.0% reported use of a vitamin or mineral supplement and either an herb or botanical, amino acid, fatty acid, caffeine, or other supplement. The most common vitamin or mineral supplements used by runners included multivitamin/minerals (50.0%), iron (42.2%), calcium (34.4%), and vitamin D (35.6%). The most common non-vitamin or mineral supplement used by runners included caffeine (7.8%) and beta alanine (4.4%). No runner reported use of creatine. In addition, 86.7% of runners reported consuming a performance bar, gel, or beverage on at least a weekly basis (67.8% reported consuming an energy bar, 48.9% reported weekly intake of a carbohydrate or electrolyte beverage, 33.3% consumed a protein drink, and 15.6% used energy gels or chews). CONCLUSIONS: A majority of collegiate runners consume dietary supplements, energy bars, drinks, gels and chews, protein bars and drinks on most days of the week. Future research can evaluate the relationship between use of these supplement products and the nutritional adequacy of runners’ diets. Runners may also benefit from education on strategies for optimizing energy and nutrient intake with whole foods.

NICE ADHD addendum

The impact of diet on symptoms of ADHD is a controversial topic, with the two most talked about areas being ‘few food’ diets and dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements. The authors reviewed the strength of the evidence gathered by NICE for a review of its ADHD guidance,1 and conducted a further literature search for additional evidence to add to the recommendations of the NICE addendum.2

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Formulations in Cardiovascular Disease: Dietary Supplements are Not Substitutes for Prescription Products.

Omega-3 fatty acid products are available as prescription formulations (icosapent ethyl, omega-3-acid ethyl esters, omega-3-acid ethyl esters A, omega-3-carboxylic acids) and dietary supplements (predominantly fish oils). Most dietary supplements and all but one prescription formulation contain mixtures of the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Products containing both EPA and DHA may raise low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). In clinical trials, the EPA-only prescription product, icosapent ethyl, did not raise LDL-C compared with placebo. To correct a common misconception, it is important to note that omega-3 fatty acid dietary supplements are not US FDA–approved over-the-counter drugs and are not required to demonstrate safety and efficacy prior to marketing. Conversely, prescription products are supported by extensive clinical safety and efficacy investigations required for FDA approval and have active and ongoing safety monitoring programs. While omega-3 fatty acid dietary supplements may have a place in the supplementation of diet, they generally contain lower levels of EPA and DHA than prescription products and are not approved or intended to treat disease. Perhaps due to the lack of regulation of dietary supplements, EPA and DHA levels may vary widely within and between brands, and products may also contain unwanted cholesterol or fats or potentially harmful components, including toxins and oxidized fatty acids. Accordingly, omega-3 fatty acid dietary supplements should not be substituted for prescription products. Similarly, prescription products containing DHA and EPA should not be substituted for the EPA-only prescription product, as DHA may raise LDL-C and thereby complicate the management of patients with dyslipidemia.

Immune response, productivity and quality of milk from grazing goats as affected by dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation

This study was undertaken to assess how diet supplemented with fish oil and linseed improve the immune profile, the production performance, and milk quality of grazing goats by a diet supplementation of fish oil or linseed. Twenty-four Garganica grazing goats were divided into three groups named control (CON), fish oil (FO) and linseed (LIN) according to the fat supplement received in their diet. In vivo immune responses were evaluated by monitoring cell-mediated and humoral immune responses in order to verify the effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation on goats' health status. Goat milk samples were analysed weekly to determine milk chemical composition, fatty acid profile, and somatic cell count. Diet based on linseed supplementation (LIN) significantly increased milk yield by 30%, milk fat yield by 67%, protein yield by 34%, and casein yield by 41% as compared with CON. Fat content increased by 30% in LIN milk as compared with CON milk, and by 12% as compared with FO milk. Linseed modified milk fatty acid profile; LIN milk showed lower SFA and higher PUFA than FO milk. The modified fatty acid composition of LIN milk resulted in lower AI and TI indexes than FO and CON milk. Linseed and fish oil administration can reduce humoral immunity of goats, but has no effect in their cellular immunity. Dietary linseed supplementation in grazing dairy goat supports feeding programs to improve milk composition and quality, and a modulation of their immune responses.

Manipulation of regional brain bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate in the MPS I mouse by dietary fatty acid supplementation

Manipulation of regional brain bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate in the MPS I mouse by dietary fatty acid supplementation

Selective normalisation of regional brain bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate in the mucopolysaccharidosis 1 (Hurler) mouse

Bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate (BMP) is a glycerophospholipid highly enriched in the lysosomal network and elevated in lysosomal diseases. To correct this elevation, BMP synthesis was manipulated by dietary fatty acid supplementation and the impact on subregional brain BMP and pathology assessed in the mouse model of mucopolysaccharidosis 1 (Hurler syndrome (HS)). There was widespread elevation of BMP in HS mice across all six sub-regions – brain stem, cortex, cerebellum, hippocampus, olfactory bulb and the sub-cortex – with 22:6/22:6 the most abundant species. Linoleic acid normalised total BMP in all regions except the cortex and cerebellum, although there were differences in fatty acid species; the major finding a decrease in 22:6- and a concomitant increase in 22:5-containing species. A battery of behaviour assessments showed that in the water cross maze both HS and wild type mice performed less well on the linoleic acid diet, and that both HS and wild type mice on the linoleic acid diet performed similarly and better in the exploratory open field test. This may be a consequence of differential subregional BMP composition in the brain. The effects of high fat and docosahexaenoic/eicosapentaenoic acid enriched diets were generally unremarkable. Although major pathologies were not completely abrogated, much of the neurobehavioural testing was confounded by skeletal pathology that did not resolve. This is the first detailed characterisation of subregional brain BMP species informing on the ability to manipulate this phospholipid in the brain, and as such, may hold promise as an adjunct therapy not only for HS but also for other lysosomal diseases.

Embryonic development and growth performances of an endangered fish species Nandus nandus: effects of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation

The present study explored the embryonic and larval development of an endangered fish species Nandus nandus and resolved larval growth performances with the dietary supplementation of different types of lipids. Fertilized eggs were collected from fiber glass tanks immediately after spontaneous spawning of N. nandus, which were fed with a 1% phospholipid (squid meal) supplemented diet for 3 months. Fertilized eggs were transparent, spherical, yellowish and sticky in nature. The first cleavages of eggs were observed 0.3±0.01 h post fertilization at 26 o C water temperature. Hatching started around 18 h post - fertilization and newly hatched larvae were found to be 1.2±0.1 mm in length. First feeding started 64.0±0.30 h post hatching. After rearing for 10 days, they were divided into 4 groups and separately fed with only dry tubificid worms, 1% docosahexaenoic (DHA) supplemented with dry tubificid worm, 1% phospholipid supplemented with dry tubificid worm and live tubificid worms as treatment I, treatment II, treatment III and treatment IV, respectively. After 50 days of the trial, larvae of treatment II showed significantly (p<0.01) higher growth performances in length: 3.18±0.13 cm, weight: 339.8 ± 36.94 mg and survival rate: 78±2 % which were comparable to that of treatment IV, which showed the highest (p<0.01) length of 3.4±0.1 cm, weight of 406.6±27.99 mg and survival rate of 97±1 %. Larvae in treatment I showed the lowest growth performances in length: 2.73 ± 0.16 cm, weight: 259.8±29.97 mg and survival rate of 63±3 %. As this is the first record for the determination of embryonic and larval development of N. nandus with different lipid supplemented diets, it might be possible to save this endangered fish species by adopting this technology at field level.

The association of dietary intake and supplementation of specific polyunsaturated fatty acids with inflammation and functional capacity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review.

ABSTRACTObjective:This systematic review sought to identify the association of dietary intake and supplementation of specific polyunsaturated fatty acids with inflammation and function in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Data sources:We searched electronic databases including PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, Scopus, Google Scholar, Trove, and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and reference lists of retrieved articles published prior to August 2014.Inclusion criteria:We considered observational studies that evaluated dietary intake of omega-3 (eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid or α-linolenic acid) and/or omega-6 fatty acids (γ-linoleic acid or arachidonic acid), and experimental studies that evaluated omega-3 fatty acid supplementation (containing predominantly one or more omega-3 fatty acids) on airway and systemic inflammatory markers and/or functional capacity outcomes in people with COPD-related diagnoses.Data synthesis:Since statistical pooling was not possible, the findings were presented in narrative form including tables and figures to aid in data presentation when appropriate.Results:One 8-week randomized controlled trial conducted in 80 COPD patients in the Netherlands showed polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation significantly improved exercise capacity compared with the control condition [between-group difference in mean peak workload was 9.7 W (2.5–17.0; P = 0.009); and mean duration was 4.3 min (0.6–7.9; P = 0.023)]. One cross-sectional study conducted in 250 COPD patients in Spain found associations of specific dietary omega-3 fatty acids with inflammation were inconsistent.Conclusions:Limited evidence provides weak support for the use of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for reducing chronic inflammation and some support for improving functional capacity in COPD patients. There is no consistent evidence showing that low dietary intake of specific omega-3 fatty acids worsens inflammation and/or function. More evidence is required before routinely incorporating this therapy within COPD management plans.

Release 3 of the U.S. Dietary Supplement Ingredient Database (DSID): Omega‐3 (n‐3) Fatty Acid and Non‐prescription Prenatal Multivitamin/mineral (MVM) Supplements

Release 3 of the Dietary Supplement Ingredient Database (http://dsid.usda.nih.gov) reports analytically-based estimates for ingredient content and variability for n-3 dietary supplements and non-prescription prenatal multivitamin/mineral (MVM) products. Products obtained from a national sampling (retail and internet) of multiple lots of 84 n-3 fatty acid dietary supplements (fish oil, flaxseed oil, fish/plant blends) were chemically analyzed by 2 independent labs for their fatty acid content. 85% of products had labeled amounts for one or more of the major n-3 fatty acids: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Analytical results were compared to labeled quantity per day and statistically evaluated by regression. Predicted % differences from label were within 5.4% of label levels, with EPA and DHA slightly below label and ALA slightly above label. Predicted % differences from label were also statistically determined for 10 vitamins and 10 minerals in 71 non-prescription prenatal MVMs purchased in a national sampling. At the most commonly labeled levels, mean predictions for 11 ingredients were 0-10% above label, 3 ingredients were between 0 and 10% below label, 3 were 10-20% above label and 3 were >20% above label. A pilot study of prescription prenatal MVMs is planned. Funding: ARS/USDA & ODS/NIH Y1CN501006

Effect of dietary supplementation of medium-chain fatty acids on growth performance and prevalence of carcass defects in broiler chickens raised in different stocking densities

A 3 × 3 factorial experiment was conducted to examine the effect of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) on performance and occurrence of carcass defects in broiler chickens raised in stocking densities of 14, 16, and 18 birds/m2. A total number of 720 Ross 308 broiler chicks that were 1 d old were reared up to 49 d of age. Corn- and soybean meal (SBM)–based starter and grower diets were supplemented with 0, 1.5, and 2 g/kg Aromabiotic and provided to the birds ad libitum. Inclusion of 2 g/kg Aromabiotic in the diet significantly improved weight gain of the birds during 1 to 21 d of age compared with control birds (P< 0.001). A significant reduction in mortality (P= 0.004) and a significant increase in European performance efficiency index (EPEI;P= 0.036) were noted in the birds that received diets containing 2 g/kg Aromabiotic compared with control birds at 49 d of age. The birds grown in a placement density of 18 birds/m2had significantly improved FCR along with reduced feed intake (FI) during 1 to 49 d of age compared with those reared in a density of 14 birds/m2. The mean EPEI was significantly greater in the birds raised in a density of 16 birds/m2(P< 0.001). At 48 d of age, litter caking was significantly increased in the birds raised in a density of 18 birds/m2and decreased in the birds that received dietary supplementation of Aromabiotic (P< 0.05). The influence of dietary Aromabiotic was significant related to reduced incidence and severity of footpad lesions and hock burns (P< 0.01). Frequency of lesions with a score of 2 to 5 on footpad and hock significantly increased for the birds raised in densities higher than 14 birds/m2. It was concluded that dietary supplementation of 2 g/kg Aromabiotic improved early productive performance of broiler chickens and enhanced the PEI mainly due to decreased mortality. Dietary Aromabiotic improved broiler welfare as indicated by reduced foot defects in the birds raised in placement densities of 16 and 18 birds/m2.

N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids decrease levels of doxorubicin-induced reactive oxygen species in cardiomyocytes -- involvement of uncoupling protein UCP2

BackgroundUse of the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) is associated with serious cardiotoxicity, as it increases levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid dietary supplements can be of benefit to patients undergoing cancer therapy. The aims of this study were to determine whether DOX-induced cardiotoxicity is related to mitochondrial uncoupling proteins and whether eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5 n-3) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 n-3) affects DOX-induced cardiomyocyte toxicity.ResultsTreatment of H9C2 cells with DOX resulted in decreased cell viability and UCP2 expression. Treatment with 100 μM EPA or 50 μM DHA for 24 h resulted in a maximal mitochondria concentration of these fatty acids and increased UCP2 expression. Pretreatment with 100 μM EPA or 50 μM DHA prevented the DOX-induced decrease in UCP2 mRNA and protein levels, but these effects were not seen with EPA or DHA and DOX cotreatment. In addition, the DOX-induced increase in ROS production and subsequent mitochondrial membrane potential change (∆ψ) were significantly attenuated by pretreatment with EPA or DHA.ConclusionEPA or DHA pre-treatment inhibits the DOX-induced decrease in UCP2 expression, increase in ROS production, and subsequent mitochondrial membrane potential change that contribute to the cardiotoxicity of DOX.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12929-014-0101-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.