Consumption Of Eicosapentaenoic Acid Research Articles

Association between eicosapentaenoic acid consumption and the risk of depressive symptoms in US adults: Analyses from NHANES 2005–2018

BackgroundThis study examines the relationship between eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) intake from food and depression. EPA, an Omega-3 fatty acid commonly found in fish and seafood, has garnered attention for its potential role in depression prevention and treatment. MethodsWe selected 30,976 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2005 and 2018. Depressive symptoms were diagnosed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). EPA intake was assessed through dietary evaluation. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline regression (RCS) were employed to assess the correlation between EPA and depressive symptom. ResultsThe prevalence of depressive symptoms was 7.3 %. Participants with depressive symptoms exhibited lower EPA intake from food compared to non-depressed individuals. This negative association with depressive symptoms persisted even after accounting for various potential influencing factors (e.g., age, gender, body mass index, total energy intake, comorbidities). Notably, EPA demonstrated a nonlinear association with depressive symptoms, particularly in females. ConclusionsThis study emphasizes a significant negative correlation between EPA consumption and depressive symptoms, particularly in females. This suggests that maintaining a rich EPA diet may play a role in depression prevention and treatment.

Trends in dietary intake and food sources of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids among Korean adults between 2007 and 2018.

This study examined trends in the dietary intake and food sources of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) in Korean adults from 2007 to 2018. In total, 46,307 adults (aged 19-64 years) were selected from the 2007-2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Dietary data were obtained using 24-hour dietary recall. Intake levels and food sources of LC-PUFAs, including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and linoleic acid (LA), were evaluated across the survey years and assessed based on compliance with dietary recommendations over the 2007-2018 period. Linear trends in LC-PUFAs intake levels over time were examined through multiple linear regression analysis. From 2007 to 2018, ALA and LA consumption increased from 1.1 g (0.5% of energy) to 1.4 g (0.6% of energy) and from 8.6 g (3.9% of energy) to 10.0 g (4.5% of energy), respectively. EPA intake decreased from 0.14 g to 0.12 g, and EPA+DHA intake showed a decreasing trend. The proportion of individuals who did not meet the recommended intake of EPA+DHA (250 mg/day) increased (64.4 to 68.4%). Regarding changes in food sources of ALA and LA, the contributions from mayonnaise, eggs, and bread increased, while those from plant food sources decreased. Among food sources of EPA and DHA, anchovy, saury, and Atka mackerel showed lower contributions over time. Our findings suggest that strategies to encourage the consumption of EPA and DHA from healthy food sources are necessary to improve cardiovascular health in the Korean population.

Intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and fish associated with prevalence of low lean mass and muscle mass among older women: Analysis of Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2008-2011.

The effects of dietary n-3 PUFA and fish on the risk of sarcopenia and muscle mass remain unclear. The present study investigated the hypothesis that intake of n-3 PUFA and fish is negatively associated with the prevalence of low lean mass (LLM) and positively correlated with muscle mass in older adults. Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2008-2011, 1,620 men and 2,192 women aged over 65 years were analyzed. LLM was defined as appendicular skeletal muscle mass divided by body mass index < 0.789 kg for men and <0.512 kg for women. Women and men with LLM consumed less eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and fish. In women, but not men, the prevalence of LLM was associated with the intake of EPA and DHA (odds ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.90; p = 0.002) and fish (odds ratio, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.42-0.82; p < 0.001). Muscle mass was also positively associated with the intake of EPA, DHA (p = 0.026), and fish (p = 0.005) in women, but not men. α-Linolenic acid intake was not associated with the prevalence of LLM and was not correlated with muscle mass. The findings suggest that consumption of EPA, DHA, and fish are negatively associated with the prevalence of LLM, and positively correlated with muscle mass in Korean older women, but not in older men.

Associations of Dietary Fats with All-Cause Mortality and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality among Patients with Cardiometabolic Disease.

Previous studies have shown distinct associations between specific dietary fats and mortality. However, evidence on specific dietary fats and mortality among patients with cardiometabolic disease (CMD) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to estimate the association between consumption of specific fatty acids and survival of patients with CMD and examine whether cardiometabolic biomarkers can mediate the above effects. The study included 8537 participants with CMD, from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) and NHANES 1999–2014. Cox proportional hazards regression, restricted cubic spline regression, and isocaloric substitution models were used to estimate the associations of dietary fats with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality among participants with CMD. Mediation analysis was performed to assess the potential mediating roles of cardiometabolic biomarkers. During a median follow-up of 10.3 years (0–27.1 years), 3506 all-cause deaths and 882 CVD deaths occurred. The hazard ratios (HRs) of all-cause mortality among patients with CMD were 0.85 (95% confidence interval (CI), 95% CI, 0.73–0.99; p trend = 0.03) for ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-6 PUFA), 0.86 (95% CI, 0.75–1.00; p trend = 0.05) for linoleic acid (LA), and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.75–0.98; p trend = 0.03) for docosapentaenoic acid (DPA). Isocalorically replacing energy from SFA with PUFA and LA were associated with 8% and 4% lower all-cause mortality respectively. The HRs of CVD mortality among CMD patients comparing extreme tertiles of specific dietary fats were 0.60 (95% CI, 0.48–0.75; p trend = 0.002) for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and 0.64 (95% CI, 0.48–0.85; p trend = 0.002) for DPA and above effects were mediated by levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL). Restricted cubic splines showed significant negative nonlinear associations between above specific dietary fats and mortality. These results suggest that intakes of ω-6 PUFA, LA, and DPA or replacing SFA with PUFA or LA might be associated with lower all-cause mortality for patients with CMD. Consumption of EPA and DPA could potentially reduce cardiovascular death for patients with CMD, and their effects might be regulated by cardiometabolic biomarkers indirectly. More precise and representative studies are further needed to validate our findings.

Dietary omega-3 LCPUFA intake in the prevention of neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: to evaluate the protective effect of omega-3 long-chain unsaturated fatty acids on the progression of wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD). Methods: this meta-analysis was designed, implemented, and analyzed in accordance with the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) protocol and is reported following PRISMA guidelines. Results: in this study we included 5 observational trials, including 2 cross-sectional studies, 2 case-control studies, and 1 confrontation study. These tests are conducted in the U.S., Europe and Japan, and are of high quality. In general, people with high dietary long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 LCPUFAs) have a lower risk of progression to advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (effect size, ES: 0.51, 95 % CI [0.34, 0.75], I2 = 70 %, p = 0.01). When assessing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) intake and wAMD risk a total of the three above studies were included, which also produced similar results. Conclusions: the highest DHA consumption reduced the risk of disease by 39 % (effect size: 0.61, 95 % CI [0.50, 0.74], I2 = 14 %, p = 0.31); compared with the lowest EPA consumption, the highest EPA consumption reduced the risk of wAMD by 32 % (ES: 0.68, 95 % CI [0.57, 0.82], I2 = 39 %, p = 0.20).

Foraging on anthropogenic food predicts problem-solving skills in a seabird

Species and populations with greater cognitive performance are more successful at adapting to changing habitats. Accordingly, urban species and populations often outperform their rural counterparts on problem-solving tests. Paradoxically, urban foraging also might be detrimental to the development and integrity of animals' brains because anthropogenic foods often lack essential nutrients such as the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are important for cognitive performance in mammals and possibly birds. We tested whether urbanization or consumption of EPA and DHA are associated with problem-solving abilities in ring-billed gulls, a seabird that historically exploited marine environments rich in omega-3 fatty acids but now also thrives in urban centres. Using incubating adults nesting across a range of rural to urban colonies with equal access to the ocean, we tested whether urban gulls preferentially consumed anthropogenic food while rural nesters relied on marine organisms. As we expected individual variation in foraging habits within nesting location, we characterized each captured gulls' diet using stable isotope and fatty acid analyses of their red blood cells. To test their problem-solving abilities, we presented the sampled birds with a horizontal rendition of the string-pull test, a foraging puzzle often used in animal cognitive studies. The isotopic and fatty acid profiles of urban nesters indicated a diet comprising primarily anthropogenic food, whereas the profiles of rural nesters indicated a high reliance on marine organisms. Despite the gulls' degree of access to urban foraging habitat not predicting solving success, birds with biochemical profiles reflecting anthropogenic food (less DHA and a higher carbon-13 ratio in their red blood cells) had a greater probability of solving the string-pull test. These results suggest that experience foraging on anthropogenic food is the main explanatory factor leading to successful problem-solving, while regular consumption of omega-3s during incubation appears inconsequential.

The Consumption of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in American Adults

ObjectivesRecent intakes of omega-3 fatty acids in American adults are unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids in American adults by analyzing the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018. The hypothesis is that American adults will meet the adequate intake (AI) values for alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), whereas the consumption of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) will fall below the recommendations set forth by the American Heart Association and the World Health Organization.MethodsNHANES 2017–2018 was analyzed to determine the consumption of ALA, EPA, and DHA from food sources in American adults. Gender, age, and “race/Hispanic origin” were used to analyze the average consumption of omega-3 fatty acids in these groups. Male and female adults (19 to 80 years) were included in the analyses. Exclusion criteria were children and adolescents (18 years and younger) and adults who indicated that they consumed less than 1,000 kilocalories or more than 6,000 kilocalories per day.ResultsThe main results demonstrated that American adults consumed approximately 1.98 grams/day of ALA. Therefore, American adults achieved the AI values for ALA, which are 1.1 grams/day for females and 1.6 grams/day for males. In contrast, American adults consumed approximately 35 milligrams/day of EPA and 76 milligrams/day of DHA. The American Heart Association recommends consuming oily fish at least twice per week, which equals approximately 500 mg of EPA plus DHA. In addition, individuals with documented cardiovascular disease should consume approximately 1 gram/day of EPA plus DHA. The World Health Organization recommends consuming 0.25 to 2 grams/day of EPA plus DHA. As such, American adults did not meet the recommendations for EPA and DHA.ConclusionsNHANES 2017–2018 analyses revealed that American adults are meeting the AI values for ALA, whereas they are not achieving the recommendations for EPA and DHA. These outcomes suggest that the low intakes of EPA and DHA may increase the risk for cardiovascular disease.Funding SourcesNo funding was used for this project.

Abstract 411: The Development Of New Therapies Targeting Pneumonia-Accelerated Atherosclerosis

Background: Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Recent studies show an association between pneumonia and an increased risk of a heart attack. It is proposed that inflammatory pathways are left uncontrolled, which exacerbates atherosclerotic vascular disease. As a result, there is a need to develop therapeutics for attenuating pneumonia-associated inflammation to reduce atherosclerotic plaque build-up and improve concomitant cardiac complications. A normal course of inflammation begins with an initial pro-inflammatory phase and ends with a resolution phase, which is marked by tissue return to homeostasis. During pneumonia, resolution pathways are impaired. Returning resolution processes to normal function may prove to be an effective strategy to attenuate prolonged pneumonia-associated inflammation. Resolution pathways are mediated by fatty acid derivatives termed specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs), the metabolites of poly-unsaturated fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). EPA is used locally by cells and readily degraded in the body. To overcome this barrier, EPA can be encapsulated in nanoparticle carriers to increase bioavailability and therapeutic delivery. We hypothesize that delivery of EPA nanoparticles into the lungs may control the persistent inflammatory response following pneumonia and reduce atherosclerotic burden. Results: In vitro in mouse bone-marrow derived macrophages stimulated with gram-negative or gram-positive toxins, EPA nanoparticles reduced the production of pro-inflammatory markers including IL-6 and TNFa measured using western blot, qPCR and ELISA. To test the efficacy of EPA-nanoparticles in vivo , we have developed a mouse model of atherosclerosis combined with S. pneumoniae lung infection. We are currently evaluating the impact of infection with S.pneumoniae on atherosclerosis progression and will determine whether EPA-nanoparticles can be used to prevent atherosclerotic inflammation and plaque progression. Clinical Impact: The nanoparticles used are already FDA approved, and regular consumption of EPA has well supported benefits. As such, it is possible that this project may translate into a clinical setting more readily.

Quantitative determination of EPA and DHA in fish oil capsules for cardiovascular disease therapy in Indonesia by GC-MS.

Background: The consumption of EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid), and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), from fish oil, in the long run, has been observed to have a positive impact on patients with coronary heart disease. Fish oil products, with so much EPA and DHA content are available, and have very variable prices. Therefore, as a therapy to be used for long-term treatment, the cost factor is to be considered.Design and methods: This study analyzed the content of EPA and DHA, using GC-MS. The sample to be analyzed was the fish oil that has the lowest price (Product A1), and that of the highest (Product A2). Furthermore, the macroscopic analysis was performed, by observing the physical form including organoleptic and qualitative tests, by reading the fragments identified by EPA and DHA.Results: Clinical trials were conducted on patients (about 46 people), with risk factors and dyslipidemia. Product A1 showed EPA at tR= 15.574 min (relative%= 88.49%, similarity= 95%), and DHA at tR= 21.714 min (relative%= 88.92%, similarity= 93%). Product A2 showed EPA at tR= 28.719 min (relative%= 22.58%, similarity= 89%), and DHA at tR= 32.327 min (relative%= 22.87%, similarity= 90%), which meant that both had EPA and DHA contents, in accordance with their labels. Both products were confirmed to reduce total cholesterol in 4weeks (p=0.000, p= 0.000), with no significant difference in their effectiveness (p=0.652).Conclusion: The results showed that both the A1 and A2 products, had the EPA and DHA contents in accordance with their respective labels. However, with the A2 product having a percentage relatively higher than that of the A1 brand, both are equally very effective.Significance for public healthOmega-3 consists of EPA and DPA, that provides significant benefits in lowering total cholesterol, which also, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. The omega-3 products in the market have relative percentage variability that affects the purification formulas of EPA and DHA, which often cause very large price variations. Furthermore, it is necessary to identify, whether the price difference also affects its effectiveness.

Eicosapentaenoic Acid Prevents Obesity‐induced Metabolic Impairments through The Host‐genetic Dependent Effects of Resolvin E1

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is a n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid that is poorly consumed in the western diet. Increased EPA consumption has been reported to improve glucose and insulin homeostasis in rodent models. We demonstrate that administration of pure EPA ethyl esters to C57BL/6J male mice improved obesity‐induced glucose intolerance, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperglycemia. Analyses of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data also revealed fasting glucose levels of obese adults to be inversely related with EPA intake in a sex‐dependent manner. To investigate potential mechanisms by which EPA improved glucose homeostasis, we compared rodent models consuming a control and a high fat diet in the presence or absence of EPA. 16S rRNA sequencing demonstrated that EPA supplementation was not associated with an improvement in the murine gut microbiome composition. Subsequent untargeted and targeted mass spectrometry analyses revealed distinct modifications to the lipidome. Notably, EPA dramatically enhanced the levels of 18‐hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (18‐HEPE) in the heart, white adipose tissue, and liver. Therefore, we investigated if administration of the downstream bioactive metabolite of 18‐HEPE, resolvin E1 (RvE1) could improve hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia. We also determined if these effects were mediated through the RvE1 receptor ERV1/ChemR23. RvE1 administration to obese mice mitigated hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia in a manner that was dependent on ERV1/ChemR23, as revealed with ERV1/ChemR23 knockout mice. Finally, we assessed if the host genome altered the metabolic outcomes of RvE1. Secondary SNP analyses revealed extensive genetic variation in human EPA and RvE1 metabolizing genes. RvE1’s effects on fasting insulin and glucose were divergent in diversity outbred mice that model human genetic variation. In conclusion, increased intake of EPA ethyl esters prevent obesity‐induced metabolic impairments through RvE1 binding to ChemR23. The data also underscore the critical need for precision prevention studies that account for host‐genetic variants in the EPA‐RvE1 axis.Support or Funding InformationR01AT008375 (SRS), P30DK05635 (SRS), NIH/NCRR S10 RR026522‐01A1 (NR), R01DK096907 (PDN)

Validation of a Dietary Questionnaire to Screen Omega-3 Fatty Acids Levels in Healthy Adults.

To facilitate a clinical observational study to identify healthy volunteers with low (defined as ≤4%) and high (defined as ≥5.5%) omega-3 indices, a dietary questionnaire to rapidly assess habitual dietary intake of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was developed. This study aimed to determine the validity of this newly developed dietary questionnaire. One hundred and eight volunteers were included and were assessed for habitual dietary intake of EPA and DHA using the questionnaire. The United States Department of Agriculture food products database and nutrition fact label was referenced for calculation. Blood samples were collected for the analysis of fatty acids in whole blood specimens and to derive omega-3 indices. A linear correlation was observed between reported dietary consumption of EPA, DHA, EPA+DHA and the whole blood levels of EPA, DHA, and the omega-3 indices (r = 0.67, 0.62, 0.67, respectively, p < 0.001 for all). The findings also suggested that the questionnaire was substantially better at identifying volunteers with high omega-3 indices (sensitivity 89%, specificity 84%, and agreement 86%) compared to volunteers with low omega-3 indices (sensitivity 100%, specificity 66%, and agreement 42%). In conclusion, this newly developed questionnaire is an efficient tool for the assessment of omega-3 indices in study populations and is particularly effective in identifying individuals with high omega-3 indices.

Omega-3 gantz azidoak eta osasuna

Kate luzeko omega-3 gantz-azido poliasegabeak, azido eikosapentaenoikoa (EPA) eta azido dokosahexaenoikoa (DHA) kasurako, kantitate handitan aurkitzen dira arrain koipetsuetan eta haietatik eratorritako arrain-olioan, zeina elikadura-osagarri gisa erabiltzen den (nutrazeutiko gisa, alegia). EPA zein DHA mintz zelularren fosfolipidoei gehitzen zaizkio, non lipooxigenasa eta ziklooxigenasa entzimen bidez jaria dai- tezkeen, eta zelula babesten duten hanturen kontrako produktuak eratu. Hainbat ikerketaren arabera, EPA eta DHA kontsumitzea baliagarria da zenbait gaixotasun ekiditeko edota haien tratamendurako, hantura-prozesuak eragindako gaixotasunetan bereziki. Hain zuzen ere, EPA eta DHAk hanturaren kontrako propietateak dituzte, bai erresolbina gisako hanturaren kontrako eragileak ekoiztuz, edota hantura eragileak blokeatuz. Ebidentzia zientifiko honen arabera, kate luzeko omega-3 gantz-azidoek zenbait aplikazio izan patologia kliniko edo nutrizional ezberdinen tratamenduan nahiz edota prebentzioan. Alabaina, gaur egun gantz-azido aseen kontsumoa zeharo hazi da, eta lipido onuragarrien kontsumoa, berriz, jaitsi egin da; era honetan, populazioaren atal handi batek omega-3 gantz-azidoen gabezia aurkezten du. Frogatu da egoera honek eragin handia duela endekapenezko gaixotasunen garapenean esaterako, gaixotasun kardiobaskularrak, minbizia, hantura-prozesuak eta bereziki ikusmenaren eta nerbio sistema zentralaren osasunean eta garapenean, non DHA kontzentrazio handiak dauden.

Cognitive response to fish oil, blueberry, and combined supplementation in older adults with subjective cognitive impairment

Given evidence that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and anthocyanin-rich blueberries provide neurocognitive benefit, we investigated long-term supplementation in older adults with cognitive complaints. In a 24-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, elderly men and women received daily fish oil (FO) or blueberry (BB) or both. Diet records confirmed that participants reduced background consumption of EPA, DHA, and anthocyanins as prescribed. Erythrocyte EPA + DHA composition increased in the FO groups (p = 0.0001). Total urinary anthocyanins did not differ between the groups after supplementation but glycoside and native (food) forms increased only in the BB-supplemented groups. The FO (p = 0.03) and BB (p = 0.05) groups reported fewer cognitive symptoms, and the BB group showed improved memory discrimination (p = 0.04), indicating that supplementation improved cognition. Cognitive benefit in the BB group was associated with the presence of urinary anthocyanins reflecting recent BB intake but not with anthocyanin metabolites. However, combined FO + BB treatment was not associated with cognitive enhancement as expected.

The use of Nannochloropsis sp. as a source of omega‐3 fatty acids in dry pasta: chemical, technological and sensory evaluation

SummaryNannochloropsis is a microalga characterised by having high amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a fatty acid known for its health benefits. The aim of this study was to elaborate dry pasta with a significant contribution of EPA using Nannochloropsis sp., without affecting the quality product and with good consumer acceptance. Technological quality was analysed in terms of cooking properties and texture profile. Cooked pasta was characterised through proximal composition, phenolic compound, fatty acid content and sensorial analysis. It was possible to replace up to 30% of wheat flour with microalgae without affecting the technological quality of pasta and with a significant contribution of EPA to the daily diet (0.237 g per 100 g pasta). The incorporation of 10% and 20% Nannochloropsis in pasta formulation allowed to decrease the n6:n3 ratio from 25:1 to 5:1 and 2:1, respectively. Therefore, the microalgae are an interesting ingredient to increase EPA consumption in products like pasta, while the sensory evaluation confirms the possibility towards a commercial approach.

Exploration of the perceived and actual benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and the impact of FADS1 and FADS2 genetic information on dietary intake and blood levels of EPA and DHA.

From a global health perspective, increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids (FAs), in particular eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are beneficial for human health. However, the consumption of EPA- and DHA-rich foods such as fatty fish is low in the Western diet. Therefore, finding new ways to motivate people to increase their consumption of omega-3 FAs is essential. To find effective ways to motivate individuals, understanding people's awareness of omega-3 FAs and how they obtain their knowledge about nutrition and health is critical. Consequently, we developed an online survey to assess awareness and self-reported intake of omega-3 FAs and supplements in young adults. EPA and DHA are also produced endogenously to a limited extent through a pathway regulated by fatty acid desaturase 1 and 2 (FADS1 and FADS2) genes. Of relevance, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the FADS genes influence levels of omega-3 FAs, where minor allele carriers have lower levels compared with major allele carriers. Accordingly, we conducted a clinical trial to investigate FA levels in response to dietary EPA and DHA supplementation in young adults stratified by SNPs in FADS1 and FADS2. The level of reported awareness of omega-3 terminology varied depending on an individual's field of study and thus providing all participants with the same set of nutrition information could be an effective tool to increase knowledge and motivate behaviour change. Additionally, the variation in FA levels in accordance to SNPs in FADS1 and FADS2 could be used to create tailored nutritional recommendations which may improve lifestyle habits. The results discovered in the first 2 studies regarding awareness of omega-3 FAs and genetic variation were subsequently used to design a nutrigenetics intervention in young adults. Individuals who received their FADS1 genetic information were more aware of different omega-3 FAs and reported fewer barriers to their consumption by the end of the study, compared with those who did not receive their personal genetic information. All participants increased their intake of EPA and DHA, which was reflected in the analyses of red blood cells. Overall, this thesis demonstrates the power of combining nutritional and genetic information as motivators to increase omega-3 consumption.

DO DIETARY FISH OIL CONSUMPTION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION IMPACT THE DURATION, FREQUENCY AND PERCEIVED SEVERITY OF ATTACKS IN PATIENTS WITH RAYNAUD'S PHENOMENON?

INTRODUCTIONRaynaud's phenomenon is a disease characterized by temporary vasoconstriction of the digits due to a number of causes. Although the literature focuses on prescription medications to treat Raynaud's patients, it is important to consider the impact of lifestyle (i.e. diet and physical activity (PA)) on the severity of symptoms, duration of attacks, and quality of life for the Raynaud's sufferer. Specifically, the literature has reported consumption of dietary fish oil (or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)) has vasodilatory effects, which may attenaute the painful syptoms that result from the excessive vasoconstriction in the peripheral vascular beds. Additionally, PA is a natural anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidant that may protect against the stimulus that causes vasoconstriction. Therefore the purpose of this study is to investigate whether dietary fish oil consumption and PA impact the severity of symptoms, frequency, and duration of attacks in Raynaud's patients.METHODSSurveys were completed by participants recruited from the Raynaud's Associaitons nationwide (n=446, 336 F/130 M). All subjects were included in the study regardless of age, health, medications and location. The group of participants (35.5±11.2 years of age, height: 159.6±14.9 cm, weight: 67.4±17.7 kg) completed a series of validated questionnaires online. The international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to determine moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The Raynaud's condition score was used to assess the severity, duration and percieved diffuclty of symptoms on daily activities. The omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids questionnaire measured dietary consumption of EPA, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and α‐linoleic acid, which were summed for total fish oil consumption.RESULTSIn patients with Raynaud's, the total consumption of dietary fish oil did not impact the length of Raynaud's attacks (r= −0.006, p=0.923) or the frequency of the attacks (r=0.072, p=0.233); however patients that indicated they percieved their Raynaud's to be very difficult consumed the highest amounts of fish oil (r=0.196, p=&lt;0.001). In regards to PA, patients that engaged in the greatest amount of MVPA per week percieved their condition to be less dificult (p&lt;0.001), experienced the shortest attacks (p=0.003) and had the lowest number of attacks per week (p&lt;0.001). Patients that reported the highest sitting time per week experienced more attacks per week (r=0.222, p=0.001).CONCLUSIONSThese data suggest that consumption of fish oil is not related to the length or frequency of attacks. However, it appears that achieving higher amounts of PA per week may be effective in attenuating painful symptoms and perceived difficulty of the disease, while increased sitting time is associated with more attacks per week. These findings indicate lifestyle modifications are important to consider when advising patients on management of symptoms associated with Raynaud's phenomenon.Support or Funding InformationKansas State University Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry Undergraduate Research Grant

Associations of prenatal maternal blood mercury concentrations with early and mid-childhood blood pressure: A prospective study

BackgroundChildhood blood pressure (BP) is an important determinant of adult cardiovascular disease. Prenatal exposure to methylmercury through maternal fish consumption has been reported to increase the BP of children years later. MethodsMother–child pairs were enrolled from Project Viva, a prospective cohort study in Massachusetts. From second trimester maternal blood samples, we measured erythrocyte mercury concentration. Systolic BP in children, measured up to 5 times per visit in early and mid-childhood (median ages 3.2 and 7.7 years), was the primary outcome. We used mixed-effect regression models to account for variation in the number of BP measurements and to average effects over both time points. ResultsAmong 1103 mother–child pairs, mean (SD) second trimester total erythrocyte mercury concentration was 4.0 (3.9)ng/g among mothers whose children were assessed in early childhood and 4.0 (4.0)ng/g for children assessed in mid-childhood. Mean (SD) offspring systolic BP was 92.1 (10.4)mm Hg in early childhood and 94.3 (8.4)mm Hg in mid-childhood. After adjusting for mother and infant characteristics, mean second trimester blood mercury concentration was not associated with child systolic BP (regression coefficient, 0.1mm Hg; 95% CI, −1.3 to 1.5 for quartile 4 vs. quartile 1) at either time period. Further adjusting for second trimester maternal fish consumption, as well as docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid consumption, did not substantially change the estimates. ConclusionsThe results of this study demonstrate an absence of association between childhood blood pressure and low-level mercury exposure typical of the general US population.

Combination of Intermittent Calorie Restriction and Eicosapentaenoic Acid for Inhibition of Mammary Tumors

There are a number of dietary interventions capable of inhibiting mammary tumorigenesis; however, the effectiveness of dietary combinations is largely unexplored. Here, we combined 2 interventions previously shown individually to inhibit mammary tumor development. The first was the use of the omega-3 fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and the second was the implementation of calorie restriction. MMTV-Her2/neu mice were used as a model for human breast cancers, which overexpress Her2/neu. Six groups of mice were enrolled. Half were fed a control (Con) diet with 10.1% fat calories from soy oil, whereas the other half consumed a diet with 72% fat calories from EPA. Within each diet, mice were further divided into ad libitum (AL), chronic calorie-restricted (CCR), or intermittent calorie-restricted (ICR) groups. Mammary tumor incidence was lowest in ICR-EPA (15%) and highest in AL-Con mice (87%), whereas AL-EPA, CCR-Con, CCR-EPA, and ICR-Con groups had mammary tumor incidence rates of 63%, 47%, 40%, and 59%, respectively. Survival was effected similarly by the interventions. Consumption of EPA dramatically reduced serum leptin (P < 0.02) and increased serum adiponectin in the AL-EPA mice compared with AL-Con mice (P < 0.001). Both CCR and ICR decreased serum leptin and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) compared with AL mice but not compared with each other. These results illustrate that mammary tumor inhibition is significantly increased when ICR and EPA are combined as compared with either intervention alone. This response may be related to alterations in the balance of serum growth factors and adipokines.

Abstract 585: Eicosapentaenoic acid increases mammary tumor inhibition of intermittent calorie restriction and regulates adipokines

Abstract It has become clear that the use of combination therapies for prevention of breast cancer may be more efficacious than individual therapies. Therefore, we combined two different interventions which had each been shown alone to inhibit mammary tumorigenesis but had not been tested in combination. The first intervention was consumption of the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) which is found in fish oil and the second intervention was calorie restriction. We utilized six groups of MMTV-Her2/neu mice as a model for human breast cancers which over express Her2/neu. Starting at 10 weeks of age half of the mice were fed a control diet composed of a modified AIN-93M formula with fat derived from soy oil. The other half consumed a diet with 71.75% of fat calories from EPA. Mice were further divided into ad libitum (AL), chronic calorie restricted (CCR) or intermittent caloric restricted (ICR) groups. AL groups (Control and EPA) received unrestricted access to their diets. CCR groups were given 75% of the total calories that the AL age-matched groups consumed. ICR groups were fed calories equal to 100% of the AL age-matched groups for three weeks followed by three weeks of calories equal to 50% of the AL age-matched groups. The 6 week cycles of restriction and refeeding were maintained until the mice were 60 weeks of age or were euthanized due to mammary tumors (MTs). MT incidence was lowest in the ICR-EPA group (15%) and highest in the AL-Con group (87%) while the AL-EPA, CCR-Con, CCR-EPA and ICR-Con had MT incidence rates of 63%, 47%, 40% and 59%, respectively The average survival until terminal end point was also longest in the ICR-EPA group at 59.2 weeks and shortest in the AL-Con group at 52.6 (P&amp;lt;0.0002). The average tumor burden was 0.98 grams for ICR-EPA mice and 1.78 grams for AL-Con mice but due to the very small number of MTs in the ICR-EPA group this was not a significant difference. Histopathology showed no significant difference in tumor grades between the groups. To better understand the effects of the interventions we examined serum for alterations in adipokines and growth factors. We found that EPA consumption dramatically reduced the levels of leptin (P&amp;lt;0.02) and increased the levels of adiponectin in the AL mice (P&amp;lt;0.001) but did not significantly alter animal weights at 25 weeks of age. Calorie restriction was also able to significantly decrease serum leptin levels and increase serum adiponectin levels. Serum IGF-I was significantly reduced by calorie restriction with the ICR-Con having the lowest level. The presence of EPA in the diet did not significantly change the levels of IGF-I. These results illustrate that MT inhibition is significantly increased when ICR and EPA are combined as compared to either intervention alone or no intervention. This effect may be related to alterations in serum growth factors and adipokines. Support: Susan G.Komen for the Cure and The Hormel Foundation. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 585. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-585

Consumption of DHA + EPA by Low‐Income Women During Pregnancy and Lactation

The ω-3-fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is important in infant brain development and maturation. The advisable intake of the ω-3 fatty acids DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) for pregnant and lactating women is 300 mg/d or 9 g/month. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to test the hypothesis that low-income pregnant/or lactating women do not consume advisable amounts of DHA+EPA and to determine whether any of the measured demographic factors were related to DHA and EPA consumption. This study was conducted September 2007 to March 2008 and used the N-3 Fatty Acid Food Frequency Questionnaire for dietary assessment in a convenience sample of women (N = 68) enrolled in a local maternal infant health program. Women who reported fish or seafood allergies were excluded. The monthly consumption of DHA+EPA from food sources was measured, and participant race, ethnicity, country of origin, primary language, level of education, marital status, intake of prenatal vitamins containing DHA+EPA, and warnings of fish toxicity were assessed. The data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance and t tests. The average reported DHA+EPA intake was 1.18 g/month across all race/ethnicities. African Americans consumed significantly more DHA+EPA, 2.79 g/month, compared with Hispanics (1.64 g) and Caucasians (0.93 g). United States natives consumed significantly more DHA+EPA than immigrants (2.45 g vs 1.55 g). Low-income pregnant/and lactating women in the study consumed less than the advisable amounts of DHA+EPA. Both ethnicity and country of origin are related to DHA+EPA intake.