Docosahexaenoic Content Research Articles

Influence of Docosahexaenoic and Eicosapentaenoic Acid Ratio and Temperature on the Growth Performance, Fatty Acid Profile, and Liver Morphology of Dusky Grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) (Teleostei: Serranidae) Juveniles.

An 8-week trial was performed to evaluate the influence of docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) ratios and temperature on the fatty acid (FA) metabolism and liver morphology of Epinephelus marginatus. A basal diet was manufactured, and DHA (D1:0.5%; D2:0.75%; D3:1%; and D4:1.5%) and EPA (D1:1.0%; D2:0.75%; D3:0.5%; and D4:0%) levels were added. E. marginatus were kept in twelve tanks with a lower temperature (LT, 23.17 ± 0.12 °C) and twelve with a higher temperature (HT, 28.63 ± 0.06 °C). The DHA/EPA ratio did not affect performance, regardless of the temperature, but the animals fed with the D4 diet showed better growth at HT. A higher lipid deposition and a large lipid vacuole area in the hepatocytes at HT were observed, regardless of the diet. Triacylglycerol (TG) in reflected the diet FA profile mainly in the muscle and liver, whereas the phospholipid (PL) was less influenced by the diet. The same DHA content in the TG fraction of muscle (D3 and D4) were observed at LT; however, only the DHA/EPA ratio of D4 could be differentially stored in the TG fraction of muscle (HT). Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated FA increased in the PL of the eyes at HT, whereas saturated FA was reduced in the TG and PL fractions at LT. These results evidence the importance of temperature and a balanced DHA/EPA ratio in the diet of marine fish.

Bioavailability of Docosahexaenoic (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic (EPA) Acids in the Oil Extracted from <i>Pellonula</i> <i>leonensis</i> from the Congo River and Nianga Lake

The objective of this work is to characterize and determine the fatty acid composition of <i>Pellonula</i> <i>leonensis</i> oil from the Congo River and Nianga Lake, in order to determine the bioavailability of docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acids. <i>Pellonula</i> <i>leonensis</i> fish were caught in the Congo River in southern Congo–Brazzaville in the localities of Kombé (Brazzaville) and Boko (Pool department) and in Nianga Lake (Pointe-Noire). The oil is extracted from the fish by the Soxhlet method using hexane as solvent. The fat content found is around 32% for all six samples from the Congo River (3 samples of kombe and 3 samples of Boko) and around 22% for the three samples from Nianga Lake. All samples have similar fatty acid profiles. These oils are characterized by the presence of palmitic acid C16:0, 27 to 28%; oleic acid: C18:1 cis, 23 to 24%; stearic acid: C18:0, 8 to 9%; palmitoleic acid: C16:1, about 6%; linoleic acid: C18:2 cis, about 5%; eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): C20: 5 (n-3), 2-3%; arachidonic: C20:4 (n-6), 2-3%; margaric: C17:0, about 2%; myristic: C14:0, about 2%; linolenic: C18:3 (n-3), about 2%; docosahexaenoic (DHA): C22:6 (n-3), about 2%; docosapentaenoic (DPA): C22:5 (n-3), about 1%. The ratio of PUFAs to SFAs was approximately 0.50. Principal component analysis showed that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content is anti-correlated with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) content. <i>Pellonula</i> <i>leonensis</i> oils from the river, especially those from Boko, have the highest EPA content, whereas the oils from the lake have the highest DHA content. However, the presence of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in the oils of <I>P.</I> <i>leonensis</i>, although low, proves its nutritional value in terms of lipids.

Hygienic assessment of dietary intake of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Introduction. The concept of a balanced diet provides for the need for adequate intake of not only energy, macro- and micronutrients, but also a number of minor components with proven physiological significance (biological activity) with the diet. These compounds include long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Materials and methods. Actual nutrition was studied by reproduction methods: three times 24-hour recall. Based on the results of the studies, the content of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids was calculated, and their main sources were determined. The study involved three hundred fourteen students of the First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov. The comparison groups were divided by gender and by course of study. Results. An adequate level of consumption of DHA and EPA was registered in 50.6% and 35.7% of students, respectively. Extremely low intake (less than 25% of the recommended level) with the diet of EPA and DHA was observed in 30.9% and 15% of respondents, respectively. Deficiency in EPA and DHA intake (less than 50% of the recommended level) was found in 44.6% and 34.1% of students. The study did not find a gender difference in the content of EPA and DHA in the diet. The level of medical education significantly affected the quality of the diet in terms of the content of EPA and DHA: an almost direct relationship was established between the course of study and the amount of EPA and DHA received. In the diet of senior students, the amount of EPA and DHA exceeded the similar average values in first-year students by 81.9% and 67.4%, respectively. Limitations. The study has age and regional restrictions: young people aged of 18-29 years living in the Moscow region, and restrictions on the analyzed indicators: long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplied with the diet. Conclusions. A significant deficit in the intake of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPA and DHA) with the diet was established in more than half of the respondents. To achieve an adequate intake of EPA and DHA, several servings of fish and crustaceans should be included in the weekly diet.

Linseed oil in boar's diet improved in vivo fertility and antioxidant status.

The reactive oxygen species (ROS) which are produced during storage of boar semen are causing oxidative stress and leads to poor fertility. Also, tropical and sub-tropical weather condition adversely impacts the physicomorphological quality and fertility of boar sperm. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of feeding linseed oil to boar on its seminal attributes, sperm kinetics, biomarkers of antioxidant, fatty acid profile of seminal plasma (SP) and sperm and in vivo fertility. Six Hampshire crossbreed boars were fed with 90 ml linseed oil (LIN) whereas six Hampshire crossbreed boars were fed 90 ml canola oil (CON) for 16 weeks. Sperm quality was evaluated (60 ejaculates for each group; a total of 120 ejaculates) for motility, livability, abnormal morphology, acrosomal membrane integrity, hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) and sperm kinetic parameters by computer assisted semen analysis (CASA) at 0h and at 72 h of storage at 17°C. Biomarkers of antioxidant (glutathione peroxidase; GPx, catalase; CAT, total antioxidant capacity; TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in SP and serum. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for the estimation of fatty acid composition of SP and sperm. Boars fed with linseed oil had higher semen volume (p < .01) and more total sperm numbers (p < .01). Feeding linseed oil to boar enhanced seminal attributes (p < .05) at 0h as well as at 72 h of storage. Linseed oil feeding (p < .01) improved biomarkers of antioxidants and significantly (p < .01) lowered the lipid peroxidation in serum and SP. Linseed oil feeding (p < .05) increased the proportion of alpha linolenic (ALA), arachidonic and docosahexaenoic (DHA) fatty acids in SP. The ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids in sperm increased significantly (p < .01) in treatment group. Farrowing rate was significantly (p < .05) higher in treatment group. In conclusion, feeding linseed oil to boar improved the in vivo fertility, enhanced antioxidant capacity and increased the DHA content of SP and sperm.

Giant Squid (Dosidicus gigas) Meal in Chicken Diets to Enrich Meat with n-3 Fatty Acids.

Simple SummarySquid is a product with a high protein content and fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosapentaenoic (DPA), and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. The main marketed parts are the mantle in the form of a fresh-frozen fillet, the head with tentacles (“dancers”), and fins. However, there is another market that can provide added value to the squid fishery, and it focuses on using the viscera, other parts of the squid, or the whole squid that do not meet quality standards for human consumption to produce meal for poultry feeding. The objective of this study was to include giant squid meal (1.67%, 3.34%, and 5.01%) in broiler rations to enrich its meat with n-3 fatty acids. The results showed that squid meal increased the content of EPA, DPA, and DHA in the poultry meat, mainly in females, and the legs with thighs without negatively affecting the production parameters or the flavor of the meat. The use of giant squid meal in chicken diets could benefit not only the poultry sector, also the fishing industry and health-conscious consumers.The main marketed parts of squid are the mantle, the head with tentacles, and fins. However, when the whole squid does not meet quality standards for human consumption it can be used for broiler feed. The objective of the study was to include giant squid (Dosidicus gigas) meal (GSM) in broiler rations to increase the content of the n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosapentaenoic (DPA), and docosahexaenoic (DHA) in chicken meat. Two hundred Ross 380 chickens, half male, half female, and one day old, were randomly distributed in a 4x2x2 factorial arrangement. The factors were the treatment (0%, 1.67%, 3.34%, and 5.01% of GSM in the diet), sex, and content of n-3 in the legs with thighs and the breasts. Each treatment had five repetitions with 10 birds each. There were no differences (p > 0.05) in the production parameters for both sexes. The contents of EPA, DPA, and DHA increased in the females and in the legs with thighs (p < 0.05) with GSM. Acceptance for the flavor and texture of meat was higher in the treatment with 1.67% GSM than in the other treatments. It is concluded that GSM is an alternative for increasing the amount of n-3 in chicken meat.

Transfer Rates of Docosahexaenoic and Eicosapentaenoic Acids into Cow's Milk in Pasture Based and Feed‐Lot Management Systems

AbstractThe aim of the research is to assess the transfer of docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) into cow's milk following supplementation with rumen protected fat supplements (rumen protected omega fat, RPOF). In pasture based and in feed‐lot management systems the transfer of DHA and EPA is 19–20% following supplementation with equal proportions of DHA and EPA (20–25 g/cow/day); the DHA and EPA level in milk are at 0.4% of the total fatty acids for each. There is no change in milk yield, protein, and fat content after 60 and 105 days of RPOF supplementation in pasture based and lot fed cows, respectively. The transfer of DHA into milk fat is around 25–32% when RPOF containing higher proportions of this fatty acid are fed (40.8 g/cow/day) and the DHA content in milk is about 1% of the total fatty acids.Practical Applications: Significant quantity of omega 3 DHA and EPA can be transferred into cow's milk in pasture based and feedlot management systems, and there is no reduction in milk yield, fat, and protein content. Furthermore, omega 3 milk with varying proportions of DHA and EPA can be produced in different dairy enterprises.

Low Dietary n6/n3 Ratio Attenuates Changes in the NRF 2 Gene Expression, Lipid Peroxidation, and Inflammatory Markers Induced by Fructose Overconsumption in the Rat Abdominal Adipose Tissue.

The objective of this study was to examine the benefits of different n6/n3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios on the lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress in the adipose tissue of rats fed a high-fructose diet. Male and female rats were divided into four groups: a control group (CON) (n6/n3 ratio ~7), a high-fructose group (HF) (n6/n3 ratio ~7), an N6-HF group (n6/n3 ratio ~50), and the DHA-HF group (n6/n3 ratio ~1, with the addition of docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acid). The CON group received plain water and the HF group received 15% fructose in their drinking water. Fructose induced an increase in the content of serum triglycerides, serum cholesterol, and HOMA-IR index. Among the fatty acids, elevated proportions of C18:1n9 and C16:1n7, as well as an increase in total monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), were found in the adipose tissue of the HF group. Fructose treatment also changed oxidative parameters, including a marked increase in the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Meanwhile, DHA supplementation caused a significant decrease in the serum MDA concentration in comparison with the HF group. In addition, DHA/EPA supplementation attenuated oxidative stress by increasing NRF 2 gene expression. Fructose treatment also significantly decreased the adiponectin level, while DHA supplementation ameliorated it. The changes observed in this trial, including the decrease in the content of DHA and EPA, the decreased EPA/ARA ratio, and the increase in the expression of inflammatory genes, are characteristics of the low-grade inflammation caused by fructose treatment. These changes in the rat adipose tissue could be prevented by dietary intervention consisting of DHA supplementation and a low n6/n3 ratio.

Yogurt Enriched with Isochrysis galbana: An Innovative Functional Food.

Microalgae are a valuable and innovative emerging source of natural nutrients and bioactive compounds that can be used as functional ingredients in order to increase the nutritional value of foods to improve human health and to prevent disease. The marine microalga Isochrysis galbana has great potential for the food industry as a functional ingredient, given its richness in ω3 long chain-polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), with high contents of oleic, linoleic, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), stearidonic, and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. This study focuses on the formulation of a functional food by the incorporation of 2% (w/w) of I. galbana freeze-dried biomass and 2% (w/w) of I. galbana ethyl acetate lipidic extract in solid natural yogurts preparation. In the functional yogurt enriched with microalgal biomass, the ω3 LC-PUFA’s content increased (to 60 mg/100 g w/w), specifically the DHA content (9.6 mg/100 g ww), and the ω3/ω6 ratio (augmented to 0.8). The in vitro digestion study showed a poor bioaccessibility of essential ω3 LC-PUFAs, wherein linoleic acid (18:2 ω6) presented a bioaccessibility inferior to 10% and no DHA or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) was detected in the bioaccessible fraction of the functional yogurts, thus indicating a low accessibility of lipids during digestion. Notwithstanding, when compared to the original yogurt, an added value novel functional yogurt with DHA and a higher ω3 LC-PUFAs content was obtained. The functional yogurt enriched with I. galbana can be considered important from a nutritional point of view and a suitable source of essential FAs in the human diet. However, this needs further confirmation, entailing additional investigation into bioavailability through in vivo assays.

Phytoplankton nutritional quality is altered by shifting Si:N ratios and selective grazing

Abstract Diatoms often dominate phytoplankton in temperate, polar and upwelling regions. Decreases in silicate availability or silicon to nitrogen (Si:N) ratios may induce silicon limitation in diatoms and lower their proportion within phytoplankton communities. The effects of such changes on the nutritional quality of phytoplankton are not well understood. To examine how changing Si:N ratios affect plankton nutritional value, we applied a range of Si:N ratios on a natural plankton community and manipulated grazing pressure to assess top-down effects of copepod selective grazing. Diatom proportion in phytoplankton increased with increasing Si:N ratios and so did phytoplankton nutritional quality in terms of major fatty acid concentrations, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acids. However, stoichiometric quality (carbon to nitrogen and carbon to phosphorus ratios), DHA:EPA and omega 3:6 (ω3:ω6) ratios declined with increasing Si:N ratios, suggesting that proportions between essential compounds in copepod diet may be more favorable in lowered Si:N ratios. Copepods had a negative effect on DHA contents, DHA:EPA and ω3:ω6 ratios, indicating possible selective grazing on more nutritious plankton. Our findings show that declining silicate concentrations can affect stoichiometric and biochemical quality of phytoplankton, which copepods can also moderate by selective grazing.

Krill oil microencapsulation: Antioxidant activity, astaxanthin retention, encapsulation efficiency, fatty acids profile, in vitro bioaccessibility and storage stability

Krill oil (KO) emulsions with a ratio of KO/arabic gum of 1:4 (w/w) were prepared and then spray dried. The effect of drying temperatures on antioxidant activity, astaxanthin retention, and microencapsulation efficiency was evaluated and microcapsules with better results were employed for further analysis. The encapsulation of KO in arabic gum was confirmed by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. KO microcapsules showed eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic content of 21% of the total fatty acids, low ω-6/ω-3 and SF/unsaturated FA ratios, and a bioaccessibility of 53.8% after 2 h of in vitro digestion. The effect of aw on color change and degradation of astaxanthin contained in KO microcapsules was evaluated during storage at 35 °C. Monolayer value was 3.7241 g H2O/100 g d.s. which corresponds to 0.4 of aw. The astaxanthin degradation rate increased considerably when the KO microcapsules were stored at an aw of 0.743, under these conditions the microcapsules showed drastic changes in the color parameters.

Effect of sterilization on true retention rate of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid content in mackerel ( Scomber scombrus ), herring ( Clupea harengus ), and sprat ( Sprattus sprattus ) canned products

The different units in which the fatty acid profile can make it difficult to track the changes in eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acid in canned fish. The influence of sterilization on EPA and DHA behavior and content in canned fish was investigated. Canned herring, mackerel, and sprats (in oil and tomato sauce) were examined. The canning process was not destructive on EPA and DHA as it has been believed so far. Losses of EPA and DHA in the whole canned food did not exceed 7.5%. Sterilization caused EPA and DHA to be “regrouped” from the fish to the sauce rather than their physical losses. After sterilization, the fish retained 64.8%–71.1% of EPA and DHA in relation to steamed fish, the rest of EPA and DHA passed to the sauce. Preference should be given to the production of canned food in which the liquid part is consumed. Practical applications The presentation of EPA and DHA contents in % and in g/100 g (wet and dry matter) does not fully allow to track the changes in these acids in canned food. Only the analysis of EPA and DHA content in the whole canned food (in solid and liquid parts) allows to examine objectively the influence of sterilization on EPA and DHA content. This study unequivocally shown that the production process of canned fish is not as destructive on EPA and DHA as previously thought. It seems that changes in EPA and DHA content in fish during sterilization mainly depend on factors influencing the amount of cooking loss (lipid loses). However, preference should be given to the production of canned fish in which the liquid part is consumed rather than discarded.

Temporal trends of essential omega-3 fatty acids in Atlantic and Pacific food webs as measured in eggs of Leach’s storm-petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa

Leach’s storm-petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa populations in the North Atlantic have declined in recent decades. The cause of those declines is not clear but one potential contributing factor could be reductions in the availability of essential nutrients due to changing marine ecology resulting from global warming. One group of particular concern is the omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (n-3 HUFAs), in particular, eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. Dietary sources of EPA and DHA are required for normal growth and development in higher consumers, including birds. However, previous work has predicted increases in sea surface temperatures may cause declines in their availability. Here, we investigate this possibility by examining temporal trends (1992-2015) in EPA and DHA concentrations in Leach’s storm-petrel eggs from 5 Canadian colonies: 2 on the Atlantic coast (Gull, Kent Islands) and 3 on the Pacific coast (Hippa, Storm, Cleland Islands). Neither EPA nor DHA concentrations in eggs decreased with time on either coast; rather, on the Atlantic coast, both EPA and DHA increased over the period of study. Carbon stable isotopes in the same eggs indicated that storm-petrels foraging in offshore, pelagic waters may have had increased access to n-3 HUFA. The data generated here provide a baseline for future comparisons. Ongoing regular monitoring of fatty acids in seabird eggs would be prudent given the likelihood of further increases in ocean temperatures.

Effect of stocking conditions on fatty acid composition and oxidation capacities of different class and type dog food

The aim of this study was the determination of changes in the fatty acid profile, oxidation parameters [peroxide value (PV), and malondialdehyde (MDA)] of wet and dry types of premium (PC) and economic class (EC) commercial dog foods at different stocking temperatures (+4 °C, +21 °C, +40 °C) and different stocking times (1, 3, 6, and 12 months). At the time of purchase, the PV and MDA concentrations of dry type foods were lower than those of wet type foods (p < .001). At the time of purchase, MDA concentrations in wet types of EC dog foods were higher than those of wet types of PC dog foods (p < .05). The contents of docosahexaenoic (DHA) and oleic acids in PC dog foods, at the time of purchase, were higher than those of EC dog foods (p < .05). The MDA and PV concentrations of dog food increased with the progress of stocking times at increasing temperatures (p < .05). In the 12th month of stocking, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)+DHA contents decreased by up to 13% in PC dog foods and 50% in EC dog foods. The EPA + DHA contents reduced up to 33% in dry types and 36% in wet types of dog foods. As a result, all the classes and types of dog foods, which were stocked at +4 °C, +21 °C, or +40 °C for up to 3 months, had no significant changes in PV, but it may be recommended to stock for up to 12 months at +4 °C to preserve the existing oxidation capacity and essential fatty acid profile. Highlights The PV and MDA concentrations of dry type dog foods at the time of purchase were lower than those of wet type dog foods. The contents of α-linolenic and linoleic acid in dry types of EC foods up to 12 months stocking were below the minimum limits in dog food as recommended by international authorities. Stocking dog food at +40 °C for up to 3 months, did not have a significant effect on lipid peroxidation, but it may be recommended to stock for up to 12 months at +4 °C.

Women’s Plasma Phospholipid DHA Concentration Directly Relates to Breast Milk and Infant DHA Status in the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition Study

Abstract Objectives The fatty acids docosahexaenoic (DHA) and arachidonic (AA) acids are in breast milk are important for the infant's development. Our objective was to use data collected in the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) cohort, to identify the relationship between maternal serum status of DHA and the concentration of DHA in breast milk and infants’ plasma phospholipids (PL) at three months postpartum. Methods The study used data from the APrON cohort. The cohort participants were 31.1 ± 4.5 years and the majority had a healthy BMI (24.2 ± 4.8 kg/m,2) and high education status (88% trade, university or higher). Maternal and infant blood samples and breast milk spot samples were collected and the fatty acid composition/concentration of DHA and AA determined by gas liquid chromatography. Results The median DHA concentrations (µg/mL) in maternal serum phospholipids (PL) significantly changed through gestation (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and was 43 (IQR 28–59, n = 287), 58 (IQR 38–80, n = 1115), 83 (IQR 65–103, n = 794) and 10 (IQR 7–14, n = 891) for each trimester and 3 months postpartum, respectively. Compared to trimester 1, DHA concentration was the higher in the third trimester and lowest during breastfeeding (P &amp;lt; 0.001). The %DHA in breast milk (median: 0.19%, IQR: 0.13–0.29%, n = 1483) was lower than the reported global average, while AA (median: 0.47%, IQR: 0.36–0.55%, n = 1483) was similar. Postpartum breast milk DHA directly correlated with maternal (r = 0.38, P &amp;lt; 0.001) and infant serum PL DHA concentrations (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusions In summary, maternal PL DHA concentration changed significantly through gestation and DHA concentration in breast milk at three months postpartum was below the proportion considered optimal (0.30–0.64%). Targeting maternal DHA status will help optimize the concentration of this essential long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid in breast milk and ultimately improve infant status. Funding Sources CIHR and Alberta Innovates.

Modification of the content of n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acid, chemical composition, and lipid nutritional indices in the meat of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) fed alfalfa (Medicago sativa) pellets.

A 120-d feeding trial was conducted to determine the effect of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) feeding on growth and chemical composition, fatty acid content, and nutritional and lipid indices of the meat of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Two experimental diets were used: alfalfa pellet (AP) diet and artificial grain diet (GD). Final weight, feed conversion rate, and protein efficiency ratio were significantly greater in the GD group (P < 0.05). However, no differences in the length and condition factor were observed. The composition of the meat differed between treatments. The protein content was significantly greater in the AP group (P < 0.05), while the lipid and cholesterol contents were significantly greater in the GD group (P < 0.05). A greater proportion of saturated, n-6 polyunsaturated, and n-6 highly unsaturated fatty acids was obtained in the GD group. The AP group accumulated a greater concentration of eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosapentaenoic (DPA), and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids (P < 0.05). The fatty acid composition of the meat determined a significant decrease in the thrombogenicity index and saturation index (S/P) in the AP group (P < 0.05). The Elongase index was greater in the GD group (P < 0.05). In contrast, the AP group had a greater index of Δ9 Desaturase and Δ5 + Δ6 Desaturase for n-3 and n-6 fatty acids (P < 0.05). These results suggest that alfalfa feeding decreases the growth of C. idella but improves the quality of meat by increasing the protein, EPA, and DHA contents. It also reduces cholesterol content and improves nutritional indices.

High dietary n6/n3 ratio decreases eicosapentaenoic to arachidonic acid ratios and upregulates NFκB/p50 expression in short-term low-dose streptozotocin and high-fructose rat model of diabetes

We studied the influence of dietary n6/n3 ratio and docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acids supplementation on fatty acid profile, lipid peroxidation and NFκ/p50 expression in diabetes type 2. Treatments consisted of three dietary n6/n3 ratios: 6 (Control), 50 (high n6) and 1 (DHA and EPA supplemented). Half of the rats in each of the dietary treatments were made diabetic using the fructose/low-streptozotocin model. The Control and high n6 diets decreased EPA/ARA (arachidonic acid) ratios in the plasma and in the hepatic tissue suggesting proinflammatory fatty acid profile. The high n6 diet additionally increased the 4-HNE and NFκ/p50 expression in the hepatic tissue. These changes were the consequence of a decrease in the plasma content of DHA and EPA and an increase in the content of arachidonic acid in the liver neutral lipids. The supplementation with the DHA and EPA attenuated the change in EPA/ARA ratios, which imply the importance of the n6/n3 ratio in diabetes type 2.

Fatty Acid Content, Oxidation Markers and Mercury in Fish Oil Supplements Commercialized in Brasília, Brazil

Fish oil supplements are good sources of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids, which are important in the prevention and treatment of hypertriglyceridemia. The purpose of this study was to examine the content of EPA and DHA, oxidation markers and mercury of fish oil supplements marketed in Brasilia, Brazil. Fatty acid contents were determined by gas chromatography using internal (C23:0) and external methyl ester standards. For this analysis, samples were prepared by alkali-catalyzed methylation with boron trifluoride (14% in methanol). Mercury was determined by direct vapor detection method. Oxidation markers were evaluated by measuring peroxide value (PV), anisidine value (AV) and by calculating TOTOX. The adequacy of EPA and DHA ranged from 75.9 to 105.1% and from 88.9 to 137.4%, respectively, compared to the information in the label. Mercury concentration was above limit of quantification levels, between 11 and 15 mg/kg in 14.4% of the products. Twenty percent of the products exceeded recommended levels of PV and TOTOX. Despite the high percentage of adequacy of the parameters analyzed, about 2/3 of the products showed some inadequacies according to the law. These data deserve concern due to the potential side effects of oxidized and contaminated fish oils to their proclaimed health benefits. This survey shows the relevance of constant monitoring of fish oil quality, considering current legislation and scientific advance. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17807/orbital.v11i3.1390

The Effect of an Infant Formula Supplemented with AA and DHA on Fatty Acid Levels of Infants with Different FADS Genotypes: The COGNIS Study.

Polymorphisms in the fatty acid desaturase (FADS) genes influence the arachidonic (AA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acid concentrations (crucial in early life). Infants with specific genotypes may require different amounts of these fatty acids (FAs) to maintain an adequate status. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an infant formula supplemented with AA and DHA on FAs of infants with different FADS genotypes. In total, 176 infants from the COGNIS study were randomly allocated to the Standard Formula (SF; n = 61) or the Experimental Formula (EF; n = 70) group, the latter supplemented with AA and DHA. Breastfed infants were added as a reference group (BF; n = 45). FAs and FADS polymorphisms were analyzed from cheek cells collected at 3 months of age. FADS minor allele carriership in formula fed infants, especially those supplemented, was associated with a declined desaturase activity and lower AA and DHA levels. Breastfed infants were not affected, possibly to the high content of AA and DHA in breast milk. The supplementation increased AA and DHA levels, but mostly in major allele carriers. In conclusion, infant FADS genotype could contribute to narrow the gap of AA and DHA concentrations between breastfed and formula fed infants.

Physical and chemical stability under environmental stress of microemulsions formulated with fish oil

Enrichment of food and beverages with bioactive lipids is an important initiative to improve consumer's health. Eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids present in fish oil have been reported as those with the greatest bioactivity. Emulsions are an interesting alternative to incorporate functional oil; however, there are few studies on food microemulsions as a way to include this kind of compounds. The present work is intended to deepen the analysis of the Kolliphor RH40 emulsifier with potential application in food microemulsions, characterizing its micellar size and thermo-rheological properties, as well as analyzing the effect of environmental stress on physical and oxidative stability of a microemulsion containing fish oil. No significant changes in droplets size (<15 nm) or in their distribution was observed in a wide range of pH (3–9), ionic strength (0.1–10% CaCl2), centrifuging and different thermal treatments. During freezing, a slight increase in size (<21 nm) was detected, maintaining its optically transparent appearance. The high surface area of the microemulsion droplets led to the decrease in oxidative stability compared to fish oil in bulk. However, when microemulsions were stored at 4 °C, the EPA and DHA contents did not change during storage for 60 days.

The Impact of Maternal Diet during Pregnancy and Lactation on the Fatty Acid Composition of Erythrocytes and Breast Milk of Chilean Women.

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.