Fatty Acid Status Research Articles

Recent studies confirm the utility of the omega-3 index.

The Omega-3 Index (O3I) was proposed 20 years ago as not only a marker of body omega-3 fatty acid status, but more importantly, as a risk factor for fatal coronary heart disease. The purpose of this review is to document the continued and growing use of this metric in nutrition research. Of the 456 citations to the O3I in PubMed, 58 have appeared in the last 18 months. Several of these articles are reviewed, and they underscore the widespread use of the metric. Although the O3I was originally developed in the cardiovascular field, it has since been used in the study of a remarkably large number of health conditions, all of which appear to be favorably impacted by higher levels of tissue omega-3 fatty acids as reflected by the O3I.

Fatty Acid Content and Lipid Nutritional Indexes in the Antarctic Krill Euphausia superba Collected from Three Regions of the Atlantic Sector of Antarctica.

The total lipid (TL) and fatty acid (FA) contents in tissues and body segments were studied in adult Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) caught in three regions of the Atlantic sector of Antarctica with different environmental conditions. Significant differences in lipid and FA status of the Antarctic krill tissues and body segments were observed in the regions. Main metabolic indices indicating quality of lipids showed that E.superba has a high nutritional value. In particular, lipids are highly unsaturated in the species and ratios of physiologically significant and essential FAs are favorable to human health. This was assumed to be a distinctive biochemical characteristic of the species. Data from the study can be used to form a scientifically based approach to further technological processing of raw krill and targeted extraction of certain substances and components of a lipid nature.

The Implications of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.) Fatty Acid Profiles for Their Thiamine Status.

Thiamine deficiency is an ongoing issue across the Northern Hemisphere, causing reproductive failure in multiple salmonid populations. In the Baltic Sea, a large brackish water system in northern Europe, previous research has suggested that this deficiency is associated with lipid-rich diets with a high proportion of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3). The mechanism proposed is that a diet abundant in highly unsaturated fatty acids, such as DHA, depletes thiamine as an antioxidant defense in adult salmonids, rather than allocating thiamine to the offspring. In light of this existing hypothesis, we here explore the relationship between diet history and the related fatty acid (FA), profiles, and thiamine status of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in three systems: the Baltic Sea, the North Atlantic Ocean, and Lake Vänern. Atlantic salmon inhabiting each system is known to have unique feeding histories and thiamine status. Our results showed that despite extensive sampling effort and distinct FA profiles, indicative of their diverse diets, there were no correlations between any FAs, including DHA, and the thiamine status of these populations. This finding does not support the above-mentioned hypothesis that diets rich in easily oxidized FAs would lead to lower thiamine concentrations in salmon tissues. Additionally, we found that changes in the salmon FA profiles throughout their life cycle are consistent for both low-thiamine populations from the Baltic Sea and medium-thiamine populations from North Atlantic Ocean, suggesting that these changes might not be involved in thiamine deficiency development.

A novel nutritional approach to infants and children with congenital diarrhea due to homozygous DGAT1 mutations.

Diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) catalyzes the final step in triglyceride synthesis. DGAT1 is expressed in human enterocytes and is essential for fat absorption. Homozygous DGAT1 deficiency often presents with severe diarrhea and protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) in the 1st weeks of life. Because severe restriction of fat intake controls diarrhea and decreases PLE, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) was the initial standard therapy in infants and children. We present tertiary center experience managing infants and children with DGAT1 deficiency resulting in the development of a nutritional approach that minimizes the use of TPN. From 2014 to 2020, 12 infants with DGAT1 deficiency were treated. Stool output, growth, and development, as well as essential fatty acid status, were monitored. This retrospective experience formed the basis for treatment recommendations, which include an ultralow fat formula with intermittent peripheral intravenous lipid infusions during the 1st year of life. All patients with prolonged intestinal fat exposure had PLE, which resolved when treated with the nutrition protocol. Essential fatty acid status as measured by triene:tetraene ratios normalized in all treated patients. Over time, early genetic diagnosis and prompt initiation of an ultralow fat diet with peripheral intravenous lipid infusions replaced the need for TPN. Children with DGAT1 deficiency respond to dietary restriction of lipids. Management with a novel nutritional approach provides effective treatment for infants with DGAT1 deficiency, treats diarrhea and PLE, promotes growth and development, avoids TPN dependency, and decreases the potential for essential fatty acid deficiency.

Increased ultraprocessed consumption during pregnancy impacts essential fatty acid status in maternal and umbilical cord blood

Increased ultraprocessed consumption during pregnancy impacts essential fatty acid status in maternal and umbilical cord blood

Polyunsaturated fatty acid status and markers of oxidative stress and inflammation across the lifespan: A cross-sectional study in a cohort with long-lived individuals

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are known to have a regulatory effect on oxidative and inflammatory processes. This study aimed to identify the relationship between blood PUFA status and circulatory markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in a cohort of 172 subjects. The population was divided by sex and into three age groups: adults (18–64 years old, n = 69), older adults (65–89 years old, n = 54), and long-lived individuals (LLIs, 90–111 years old, n = 49). Whole blood PUFA content was quantified using gas chromatography. Additionally, serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), paraoxonase (PON), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. Our results showed that a higher omega-3 (n-3) index in adult females was a predictor of lower MDA concentrations (p = 0.038). Conversely, total n-3 PUFA and total n-6 PUFA were positively related to MDA values among older adult females and LLI men (p < 0.05), while total n-6 PUFA was inversely correlated with MDA levels in LLI females (p < 0.05). Interestingly, increased concentrations of total n-3 PUFA and n-3 index were positively correlated with higher TEAC values in LLI men (p = 0.007), while the arachidonic acid (AA)/eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) ratio was inversely correlated with TEAC values among LLI females (p = 0.006). These findings suggest that cellular antioxidant capacity is inversely correlated with changes in the AA/EPA ratio in long-lived females, whereas n-3 PUFA may enhance blood antioxidant capacity in long-lived men. Overall, our study highlights the complex, sex-specific interactions between PUFA profiles and oxidative stress and inflammatory markers across different age groups.

Creation of a Novel Zebrafish Model With Altered Omega-3 Fatty Acid Status to Study the Role of Maternal Nutrition During Neurodevelopment

Creation of a Novel Zebrafish Model With Altered Omega-3 Fatty Acid Status to Study the Role of Maternal Nutrition During Neurodevelopment

Machine learning predicts the serum PFOA and PFOS levels in pregnant women: Enhancement of fatty acid status on model performance

Human exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) has received considerable attention, particularly in pregnant women because of their dramatic changes in physiological status and dietary patterns. Predicting internal PFAS exposure in pregnant women, based on external and relevant parameters, has not been investigated. Here, machine learning (ML) models were developed to predict the serum concentrations of PFOA and PFOS in a large population of 588 pregnant participants. Dietary exposure characteristics, demographic parameters, and in particular, serum fatty acid (FA) data were used for the model development. The fitting results showed that the inclusion of FAs as covariates significantly improved the performance of the ML models, with the random forest (RF) model having the best predictive performance for PFOA (R2 = 0.33, MAE = 1.51 ng/mL, and RMSE = 1.89 ng/mL) and PFOS (R2 = 0.12, MAE = 2.65 ng/mL, and RMSE = 3.37 ng/mL). The feature importance analysis revealed that serum FAs greatly affected PFOA concentration in the pregnant women, with saturated FAs being associated with decreased PFOA levels and unsaturated FAs with increased levels. Comparison with one-compartment pharmacokinetic model further demonstrated the advantage of the ML models in predicting PFAS exposure in pregnant women. Our models correlate for the first time blood chemical concentrations with human FA status using ML, introducing a novel perspective on predicting PFAS levels in pregnant women. This study provides valuable insights concerning internal exposure of PFASs generated from external exposure, and contributes to risk assessment and management in pregnant populations.

Patterns of perinatal polyunsaturated fatty acid status and associated dietary or candidate-genetic factors

Perinatal exposure to omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can be characterized through biomarkers in maternal or cord blood or breast milk. Objectives were to describe perinatal PUFA status combining multiple biofluids and to investigate how it was influenced by dietary intake during pregnancy and maternal FADS and ELOVL gene polymorphisms. This study involved 1,901 mother–child pairs from the EDEN cohort, with PUFA levels measured in maternal and cord erythrocytes, and colostrum. Maternal dietary PUFA intake during the last trimester was derived from a food frequency questionnaire. Twelve single-nucleotide polymorphisms in FADS and ELOVL genes were genotyped from maternal DNA. Principal component analysis incorporating PUFA levels from the three biofluids identified patterns of perinatal PUFA status. Spearman’s correlations explored associations between patterns and PUFA dietary intake, and linear regression models examined pattern associations with FADS or ELOVL haplotypes. Five patterns were retained: “High omega-3 LC-PUFAs, low omega-6 LC-PUFAs”; “Omega-6 LC-PUFAs”; “Colostrum LC-PUFAs”; “Omega-6 precursor (LA) and DGLA”; “Omega-6 precursor and colostrum ALA”. Maternal omega-3 LC-PUFA intakes were correlated with “High omega-3 LC-PUFAs, low omega-6 LC-PUFAs” (r(DHA) = 0.33) and “Omega-6 LC-PUFAs” (r(DHA) = −0.19) patterns. Strong associations were found between FADS haplotypes and PUFA patterns except for “High omega-3 LC-PUFAs, low omega-6 LC-PUFAs”. Lack of genetic association with the “High omega-3 LC-PUFAs, low omega-6 LC-PUFAs” pattern, highly correlated with maternal omega-3 LC-PUFA intake, emphasizes the importance of adequate omega-3 LC-PUFA intake during pregnancy and lactation. This study offers a more comprehensive assessment of perinatal PUFA status and its determinants.

Elevated tissue status of omega-3 fatty acids protects against age-related telomere attrition in fat-1 transgenic mice

Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is a biomarker of aging that may be influenced by dietary factors. Omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) have been suggested to affect LTL. However, research on this effect has been inconclusive. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis about the positive effect of n-3 FA on LTL. Fat-1 transgenic mice, which can convert omega-6 fatty acids (n-6 FA) to n-3 FA and have elevated levels of endogenous n-3 FA in their tissues, were used to study the effects of n-3 FA on LTL at different ages. Blood samples from 10-month-old wild-type (WT) mice (n=10) and fat-1 mice (n=10) and 3-month-old WT mice (n=5) and fat-1 mice (n=5) were used to measure relative and absolute LTL. The levels of proteins critical for telomere maintenance were examined by Western blot analysis. Fat-1 transgenic mice had longer leukocyte telomeres than their WT siblings, suggesting a slower rate of age-related telomere shortening in fat-1 mice. In animals aged 10 months, the LTL was significantly longer in fat-1 than in WT mice (mean±SEM; relative LTL: WT=1.00±0.09 vs. fat-1: 1.25±0.05, P=0.031; absolute LTL: WT=64.41±6.50 vs. fat-1: 78.53±3.86, P=0.048). The difference in LTL observed in three-month-old mice was insignificant, however the mean LTL was still longer in fat-1 mice than in the WT mice. Fat-1 mice also had abundant levels of two shelterin proteins: TRF1 (27%, P=0.028) and TRF2 (47%, P=0.040) (telomeric repeat binding factor 1 and 2) compared to WT animals. This study, for the first time in a unique animal model free of dietary confounders, has demonstrated that increased levels of n-3 FA in tissues can reduce telomere attrition. The data presented indicate the possibility of using omega-3 fatty acids to reduce accelerated telomere attrition and, consequently, counteract premature aging and reduce the risk of age-related diseases.

Mitofusin-mediated contacts between mitochondria and peroxisomes regulate mitochondrial fusion.

Mitofusins are large GTPases that trigger fusion of mitochondrial outer membranes. Similarly to the human mitofusin Mfn2, which also tethers mitochondria to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the yeast mitofusin Fzo1 stimulates contacts between Peroxisomes and Mitochondria when overexpressed. Yet, the physiological significance and function of these "PerMit" contacts remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that Fzo1 naturally localizes to peroxisomes and promotes PerMit contacts in physiological conditions. These contacts are regulated through co-modulation of Fzo1 levels by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and by the desaturation status of fatty acids (FAs). Contacts decrease under low FA desaturation but reach a maximum during high FA desaturation. High-throughput genetic screening combined with high-resolution cellular imaging reveal that Fzo1-mediated PerMit contacts favor the transit of peroxisomal citrate into mitochondria. In turn, citrate enters the TCA cycle to stimulate the mitochondrial membrane potential and maintain efficient mitochondrial fusion upon high FA desaturation. These findings thus unravel a mechanism by which inter-organelle contacts safeguard mitochondrial fusion.

Longitudinal Trajectories of Plasma Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Associations With Psychosis Spectrum Outcomes in Early Adulthood

BackgroundEvidence supports associations between polyunsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and psychosis. However, polyunsaturated fatty acid trajectories in the general population have not been characterized, and associations with psychosis spectrum outcomes in early adulthood are unknown. MethodsPlasma omega-6 to omega-3 ratio and DHA (expressed as percentage of total fatty acids) were measured by nuclear magnetic spectroscopy at 7, 15, 17, and 24 years of age in participants of ALSPAC (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children). Curvilinear growth mixture modeling evaluated body mass index–adjusted trajectories of both measures. Outcomes were assessed at 24 years. Psychotic experiences (PEs), at-risk mental state status, psychotic disorder, and number of PEs were assessed using the Psychosis-Like Symptoms interview (n = 3635; 2247 [61.8%] female). Negative symptoms score was measured using the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (n = 3484; 2161 [62.0%] female). Associations were adjusted for sex, ethnicity, parental social class, and cumulative smoking and alcohol use. ResultsRelative to stable average, the persistently high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio trajectory was associated with increased odds of PEs and psychotic disorder, but attenuated on adjustment for covariates (PEs adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.63, 95% CI = 0.92-2.89; psychotic disorder aOR = 1.69, 95% CI = 0.71-4.07). This was also the case for persistently low DHA (PEs aOR = 1.42, 95% CI = 0.84-2.37; psychotic disorder aOR = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.49-2.67). Following adjustment, persistently high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio was associated with increased number of PEs (β = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.05-0.78) and negative symptoms score (β = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.14-0.72), as was persistently low DHA (number of PEs β = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.14-0.76; negative symptoms β = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.12-0.58). ConclusionsOptimization of polyunsaturated fatty acid status during development warrants further investigation in relation to psychotic symptoms in early adulthood.

Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus do not have compromised polyunsaturated fatty acid status

Pregnant women who develop pre-eclampsia (PE) and/or intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) have reduced polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) status compared to healthy pregnancy(1). It is unknown if pregnant women diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), and their offspring, also have compromised PUFA status. To determine if women with GDM, and their offspring, have altered PUFA status compared to healthy pregnancy. Pregnant women were recruited from Glasgow Scotland, and Brisbane, Australia from antenatal clinics for this cross sectional study. Third trimester maternal blood samples were collected after an overnight fast and cord blood samples were collected at delivery. Plasma fatty acids were analysed using gas chromatography from women with GDM (n = 37) and healthy pregnancies (n = 27) and their respective offspring (n = 31, from women with GDM, and n = 27 from healthy women). T-tests were used to determine significant differences between maternal with GDM and healthy pregnancy, as well as for their offspring and significance was set at p&lt;0.05. Previously, erythrocyte fatty acids were analysed from women with PE (n = 21), IUGR (n = 13) and healthy pregnancies (n = 86)(1). All results were expressed as mol percent of total fatty acids. There were no differences in maternal plasma arachidonic acid (4.51 ± 1.23 vs. 4.72 ± 0.64, p = 0.39) and plasma EPA &amp; DHA (2.33 ± 0.74 vs 2.69 ± 1.04, p = 0.14) in women with GDM and healthy pregnancies, respectively. There were no differences in fetal plasma arachidonic acid (11.58 ± 2.26 vs. 12.63 ± 1.69, p = 0.08) and plasma EPA &amp; DHA (4.44 ± 1.17 vs. 4.44 ± 1.00, p = 0.89) in offspring from women with GDM and healthy pregnancies, respectively. Women with PE and IUGR had approximately 25% lower erythrocyte EPA &amp; DHA and 35% lower erythrocyte arachidonic acid compared to healthy pregnant(1). Offspring from women with PE and IUGR had approximately 25% lower erythrocyte EPA &amp; DHA and 22% lower erythrocyte arachidonic acid compared to healthy pregnancy(1).Women with PE and IUGR had lower PUFA status likely due to reduced PUFA synthesis(1) and offspring from women with PE and IUGR had reduced PUFA status likely due to ectopic fat in placenta tissue(2). Women with GDM do not have compromised PUFA status suggesting there is no reduced synthesis and transport of PUFA. Offspring from women with GDM do not have reduced PUFA status suggesting there is no problem with PUFA transport across the placenta, unlike offspring from women with PE and/or IUGR. Women with GDM, and their offspring, do not have compromised plasma PUFA status compared to healthy pregnancy.

Prepartum behaviors as early indicators for postpartum energy associated biomarkers status in Holstein dairy cows.

Our main aim was to investigate the predictive value of prepartum behaviors such as total daily rumination (TDR), total daily activity (TDA) and dry matter intake (DMI) as early indicators to detect cows at risk for hyperketonemia (HYK), hypoglycemia (HYG) or high non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) status in the first (wk1) and second week (wk2) postpartum. In a case control study, 64 Holstein cows were enrolled 3 weeks before the expected time of calving and monitored until 15 days in milk (DIM). Postpartum blood samples were taken at D3 and D6 for wk1 and at D12 and D15 for wk2 to measure beta-hydroxybutyrate, NEFA and glucose concentration. Ear-mounted accelerometers were used to measure TDR and TDA. DMI and milk yield were obtained from farm records. Relationships between the average daily rate of change in prepartum TDR (ΔTDR), TDA (ΔTDA), and DMI (ΔDMI) with postpartum HYK, HYG and NEFA status in wk1 and wk2 post-partum were evaluated using linear regression models. Models were adjusted for potential confounding variables, and covariates retained in the final models were determined by backward selection. No evidence was found to support the premise that prepartum ΔTDR, ΔTDA or ΔDMI predicted postpartum HYK, HYG or NEFA status in wk1 or in wk2. Overall, prepartum ΔTDR, ΔTDA and ΔDMI were not effective predictors of HYK, HYG or NEFA status in the first 2 weeks postpartum.

Dietary and Biological Assessment of Omega-3 Status in University Rugby Football Players: A Case-Control Study

Background: Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation has been shown to help maintain muscle function and reduce muscle soreness after exercise-induced muscle damage. However, the relationship between the dietary and biological status of omega-3 fatty acids in rugby players remains unclear. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the connection between the dietary and biological status of omega-3 fatty acids in university rugby players. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving university rugby players and age-matched sedentary controls. We assessed diets, including omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, using self-administered dietary questionnaires. Whole blood lipidomics was performed before and after a single training session. Results: The rugby group (n = 29) had significantly higher intakes of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids compared to the control group (n = 31). While the blood omega-6 relative concentration did not differ between the groups, the rugby group had lower omega-3 fatty acid levels than the control group (4.4 ± 1.1 vs. 6.2 ± 1.8%). Approximately 48% of rugby players had an omega-3 index (O3i) considered as high risk for cardiovascular disease, and 52% were classified as intermediate risk. None of the players had a low-risk O3i. A single training session had an impact on the omega-3 and omega-6 metabolic pathways. Conclusions: Despite having a higher omega-3 fatty acid intake than controls, rugby football players may still be deficient in omega-3 fatty acids. Further nutritional interventions are needed to address these issues.

Post-Harvest Management of Immature (Green and Semi-Green) Soybeans: Effect of Drying and Storage Conditions (Temperature, Light, and Aeration) on Color and Oil Quality

Soybean downgrading due to immature (green and semi-green) color at harvest, caused by frost conditions, poses a significant loss to producers and processors. After harvest, drying and storage are important for preserving the quality of the harvested produce. This study investigated the impact of drying on color change in harvested immature soybeans and the effect of the soybean moisture content, storage environment (temperature, light, and aeration), and storage period on color change and oil quality of immature soybeans. Soybeans were harvested at three different maturity stages: R6 (green) and R7 (semi-green) in pods and R8 (fully matured) in seed. The soybeans in pods were dried, shelled, and conditioned to moisture contents of 12% and 17% (wet basis) prior to storage in 12 storage chamber (box) environments. The chambers were built to have four environments of “light” and “no light” with and without aeration and were stored at temperatures of either 4 °C or 23.5 °C for 24 weeks. Samples were taken every 2 weeks for 2 months and then bimonthly in storage. Soybean color change during drying and their chlorophyll, color, peroxide value (PV), and free fatty acid (FFA) status in storage were determined. Visual observation showed that R6 (green) soybean color faded after 48 h drying, which was supported with a colorimeter reading as the “a” value increased from −8.89 to −3.83 and −8.89 to −1.71 with 37 °C and 27 °C drying temperatures, respectively. The ANOVA analysis showed that light had the greatest contribution (~81%) to the color change compared to the other three storage environment factors of temperature (~9.1%), aeration (~8%), and moisture content (~1.5%) with &lt;10% separate effects. During storage, the R6 green and R7 semi-green soybean color continued to fade with color a-values that exceeded the initial values of the R8 matured (control) by 353% and 350%, respectively, by the end of the storage period. Low amounts of peroxide and free fatty acids (FFA) were recorded throughout the storage period. Only the FFA of 17% M.C. soybeans stored at 23.5 °C exceeded acceptable limits at the end of the storage period. Exposing immature (green and semi-green) soybeans to light resulted in the fading of the green color. Seed producers in regions prone to frost can extend harvest time by allowing immature soybeans to field-dry.

A Guide to Measuring and Interpreting Omega-3 (n-3) Fatty Acid Status in Relation to Health

Dietary fats can play a role in life-long health outcomes. The role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in health and disease has been a keen focus of researchers for over 50 years. Recently the focus of this research has turned to the beneficial role of the omega-3 (n-3) PUFA on health outcomes including heart disease and the prevention of preterm birth. From the standpoint of clinical practice, there has been a call for reliable screening tests that can predict risk. Two tests, both involving the measurement of n-3 PUFA in blood or its fractions, have become prominent, namely, the ‘omega-3 index’ as a predictor of cardiovascular disease risk and the ‘total n-3’ pregnancy test as a predictor of risk of premature birth. We provide an overview for pathologists, clinicians and nutritionists of the methodology and terminology related to the n-3 biomarkers to aid their interpretation of proposed cut-point values for health risk.

Factors Influencing Omega-3 Index Status in Active-Duty Military Personnel.

This study assessed omega-3 fatty acid (O3FA) status, previous brain injury risk exposures, and associations between O3FA status and risk exposures among active-duty military personnel. O3FA status was measured by a Holman omega-3 blood test. A survey was conducted to assess brain injury risk history and dietary O3FA factors. More than 50% of the participants had high-risk status, based on an omega-3 index (O3I) <4%, while less than 2% of the participants recorded low-risk O3I (>8%). O3FA supplementation (p<.001, Cramer's V=0.342) and fish consumption (p<.001, Cramer's V=0.210) were positively correlated with O3FA status. Only 5 O3FA supplement users (n=97 [5.2%]) had a low-risk O3I status, while all nonusers (n=223) had moderateto high-risk O3I status. Supplementing with O3FA was associated with better O3I status in this population. However, only a few participants achieved optimal O3I status even when taking an O3FA supplement. Participants who ate fish and did not supplement were in the moderateor high-risk O3I groups.

Fatty acids and their metabolites (resolvins) are altered in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

The maternal fatty acid status plays a key role in influencing pregnancy outcomes. Omega-3 fatty acids are the precursors for E-series (RvE) and D-series resolvins (RvD) and possess anti-inflammatory properties. Pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are associated with excess maternal inflammation. This study reports the levels of maternal fatty acids across gestation in GDM and non-GDM women, placental fatty acids, resolvins and their association with the maternal fatty acid status. Pregnant women were recruited at 11-14 (V1) weeks and followed at 18-22 (V2) and 26-28 (V3) weeks and at delivery (V4). A total of 209 women who were diagnosed as GDM and 207 non-GDM women were included in this study. Fatty acids were estimated using gas chromatography. The protein levels of resolvins (RvE1, RvE2, RvD1 and RvD2) were measured using ELISA kits. Total PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), omega-6 fatty acids, linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA) were lower, while saturated fatty acid (SFA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) levels were higher in GDM women at 18-22 weeks. Placental AA was lower (p < 0.05) in women with GDM. Placental protein levels of RvE1, RvD1 and RvD2 were lower (p < 0.001 for all) in the GDM group. The maternal delta 5 desaturase index was positively associated, while erythrocyte omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids were negatively associated with RvE2 at 11-14 weeks. Placental LA and ALA were positively associated with RvD1 and RvD2 (p < 0.05, for both), respectively. Our findings suggest that the maternal fatty acid status influences pro-resolving mediators which may lead to increased inflammation in GDM.

Effect of fatty acid profiles in varying recipes of ready-to-use therapeutic foods on neurodevelopmental and clinical outcomes of children (6-59 months) with severe wasting: a systematic review.

In 2020, 13.6 million children under 5 years suffered from severe acute malnutrition (SAM)/wasting. Standard ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTFs) improve polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) status but contain suboptimal amounts of omega-3 (n-3) PUFAs with unbalanced n-6-to-n-3 PUFA ratios. The aim was to compare the effects of RUTFs with different essential fatty acid contents on PUFA status, neurodevelopmental, and clinical outcomes (mortality, comorbidities, and recovery) of children with severe wasting. Twelve databases, trial repositories, and article references with no publication limitations. Ten studies from randomized, quasi, and cluster-randomized controlled trials providing RUTFs as home treatment to children 6-59 months with SAM/wasting were included. Plasma phospholipid eicosapentaenoic acid content was higher in children receiving RUTF with altered essential fatty acid contents compared with standard RUTF (0.20 [0.15-0.25], P < 0.00001). Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) status only improved in children receiving RUTF with added fish oil (0.33 [0.15-0.50], P = 0.0003). The Malawi Developmental Assessment tool (MDAT) global development and problem-solving assessment scores were higher in global assessment and gross motor domains in children receiving added fish oil compared with standard formulation (0.19 [0.0-0.38] and 0.29 [0.03-0.55], respectively). Children receiving high-oleic-acid RUTF (lowering the n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio of the RUTF) with or without fish oil had significantly higher scores in social domains compared with those receiving the standard formulation (0.16 [0.00-0.31] and 0.24 [0.09-0.40]). Significantly higher mortality risk was found in children receiving a standard formulation compared with RUTF with a lower n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio (0.79 [0.67-0.94], P = 0.008). Although lowering n-6:n-3 PUFA ratios did not increase plasma DHA, it improved specific neurodevelopmental scores and mortality due to lower linoleic acid (high-oleic-acid peanuts), higher alpha-linolenic acid (altered oil), or both. Additional preformed n-3 long-chain PUFAs (fish oil) with RUTF improved the children's DHA status, neurodevelopmental outcomes, and weight-for-height z score. More research is needed regarding cost, availability, stability, acceptability, and the appropriate amount of n-3 long-chain PUFAs required in RUTFs for the best clinical outcomes. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022303694.