Dietary Flaxseed Research Articles

Transcriptome analysis reveals key information on improving duck yolk lipid contents induced by dietary fish oil or flaxseed oil

ABSTRACT Genes participating in the changes of yolk lipids by unsaturated oils remain elusive. In this study, ducks were randomly assigned to 3 groups, fed with basal-diet (C), basal-diet-plus-2%-flaxseed-oil (FL), or basal-diet-plus-2%-fish-oil (F), respectively. A digital-gene-expression-profiling analysis of livers were performed after four weeks. Compared to C, 36 and 25 differently-expressed-genes (DEG) were identified in FL and F, respectively. These genes participated in lipid metabolism pathways. In both F and FL, the sterol 12 α-hydroxylase 1 gene was down regulated, as well as the fatty acid synthase gene and stearoyl-CoA desaturase gene. In FL, the fatty acid desaturase 2 gene (FADS2) and elongation of the very long-chain fatty acids protein 2 gene (ELOVL2) were up regulated, and the CYP2U (cytochrome P450, family 2, subfamily U) was down regulated. However, the FADS2 and ELOVL2 were down regulated in F to possibly prevent the redundancy of body n-3 PUFAs. In conclusion, FL and F had different molecular pathways to reduce yolk cholesterol and increase n-3 PUFAs. However, CYP8B1 and FADS2 were the key genes in the regulation of both of them. α-linolenic acid in the FL might be transformed to longer n-3 PUFAs. In addition, this study adds sequence information to duck.

Nutritional parameters of eggs from laying hens fed with flaxseed meal or mixture with rapeseed meal or rice bran

ABSTRACT The effect of flaxseed meal or mixture with rapeseed meal or rice bran on the performance and nutritional quality of the eggs was investigated in a 6-week feeding trial on 120, Tetra SL layers (38 weeks). The hens, 4 groups (30 hens/group; 2 birds/cage) were feed with a basal diet (C); flaxseed meal (5%; E1); flaxseed meal-rapeseed meal (2.5%; 10%; E2) and flaxseed meal-rice bran (2.5%; 10%; E3). At the end of the trial, 18 eggs/group were collected to determine the egg quality and were assayed for the nutritional parameters. The results showed that the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content was higher in groups E2 (28.65%) and E3 (29.62%). The index of atherogenicity (AI) decreased significantly (P<0.05) in group E2 (0.53) compared with C group (0.57), while the index of hypercholesterolemic fatty acid registered a higher value (2.69) vs. control group (2.45). In conclusion, use of the dietary flaxseed meal or mixture with rapeseed meal or rice bran had beneficial effects on egg nutritional quality, regarding the decrease in significant SFA content as well as the ΣSFA/ΣUFA ratio and the PUFA ω6:ω3 ratio. Also, the experimental diets significantly increased the yolk PUFA contents, proving a beneficial effect on human health.

Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acid Dampens Allergic Rhinitis via Eosinophilic Production of the Anti-Allergic Lipid Mediator 15-Hydroxyeicosapentaenoic Acid in Mice.

The metabolism and generation of bioactive lipid mediators are key events in the exertion of the beneficial effects of dietary omega-3 fatty acids in the regulation of allergic inflammation. Here, we found that dietary linseed oil, which contains high amounts of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) dampened allergic rhinitis through eosinophilic production of 15-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (15-HEPE), a metabolite of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Lipidomic analysis revealed that 15-HEPE was particularly accumulated in the nasal passage of linseed oil-fed mice after the development of allergic rhinitis with the increasing number of eosinophils. Indeed, the conversion of EPA to 15-HEPE was mediated by the 15-lipoxygenase activity of eosinophils. Intranasal injection of 15-HEPE dampened allergic symptoms by inhibiting mast cell degranulation, which was mediated by the action of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma. These findings identify 15-HEPE as a novel EPA-derived, and eosinophil-dependent anti-allergic metabolite, and provide a preventive and therapeutic strategy against allergic rhinitis.

Influence of dietary linseed oil as substitution of fish oil on whole fish fatty acid composition, lipid metabolism and oxidative status of juvenile Manchurian trout, Brachymystax lenok

In this study, juvenile Manchurian trout, Brachymystax lenok (initial weight: 6.43 ± 0.02 g, mean ± SE) were received for nine weeks with five types of diets prepared by gradually replacing the proportion of fish oil (FO) with linseed oil (LO) from 0% (LO0) to 25% (LO25), 50% (LO50), 75% (LO75), and 100% (LO100). The eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) composition decreased with increasing inclusion level of LO (P < 0.05). With increasing LO inclusion level, triglyceride (TAG) content of serum increased significantly, however, there was a decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) (P < 0.05). LO substitution of FO up-regulated the gene expression level of lipid metabolism-related genes Fatty Acid Desaturases 6 (FAD6), Acetyl-Coa Carboxylase (ACCα), Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 1 (SREBP-1), and Sterol O- Acyl Transferase 2 (SOAT2), and down-regulated the gene expression level of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor a (PPARα) (P < 0.05). The SOD activities of both serum and liver in LO100 were significantly lower than in LO25 (P < 0.05). The CAT activity of the liver in LO100 was significantly lower than in LO0 and LO25 (P < 0.05). This study indicates that the Manchurian trout may have the ability to synthesize LC-PUFAs from ALA, and an appropriate LO in substitution of FO (<75%) could improve both the lipid metabolism and the oxidation resistance.

Antihypertensive and Renoprotective Effects of Dietary Flaxseed and its Mechanism of Action in Deoxycorticosterone Acetate-Salt Hypertensive Rats

Background/Aims: Flaxseed contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), lignans, and dietary fiber, and its intake lowers blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Here, we examined the effects of flaxseed powder, which includes all flaxseed components, flaxseed oil, composed mainly of ALA, flaxseed lignan, and flaxseed fiber, on hypertension and renal damage induced by deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt. Then, we investigated the mechanisms of action associated with the effects of flaxseed. Methods: Flaxseed powder, oil, lignan, or fiber was administered to DOCA-salt rats. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), urinary protein excretion, renal angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity, sympathetic nerve activity, and gene expression of inflammatory mediators in the kidney and hypothalamus were measured. Results: Flaxseed powder and oil reduced the increases in SBP and urinary protein excretion induced by DOCA-salt treatment, whereas lignan and fiber had no effects. Flaxseed oil suppressed the increase in renal ACE activity, sympathetic nerve activity, and gene expression of renal and hypothalamic inflammatory mediators. Conclusion: Flaxseed has antihypertensive and renoprotective effects in DOCA-salt rats. These effects are likely principally exerted by ALA. Furthermore, the suppression of renal ACE activity, sympathetic nerve activity, and inflammation is partly involved in the effects of flaxseed.

Dietary flaxseed and turmeric is a novel strategy to enrich chicken meat with long chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids with better oxidative stability and functional properties

The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the effects of feeding flaxseed meal (FSM) and turmeric rhizome powder (TRP) supplementation on tissue lipid profile, lipid metabolism, health indices, oxidative stability, and physical properties of broiler chicken meat. The 100 g FSM along with 10.0 g TRP supplementation significantly increased the ω-3 PUFA, particularly ALA, EPA, DPA, and DHA of broiler chicken meat due to the corresponding increase ∆9 and Δ5 + Δ6 desaturase activities. The increased activities of the desaturases resulted in significantly better health indices of the broiler chicken meat. The feeding of 100 g FSM along with 10.0 g TRP supplementation reduced the atherogenic and thrombogenic indices of broiler chicken meat. The 100 g FSM feeding reduced the oxidative stability, water holding capacity, extract release volume of broiler chicken meat and increased drip loss, whereas, 10.0 g TRP supplementation reversed these negative effects of FSM.

Impact of Choline Supplementation on Hepatic Histopathology, Phospholipid Content, and Tocopherol Status in Layer Hens Fed Flaxseed

SUMMARY Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) is a metabolic disorder in egg laying hens characterized by liver hemorrhages, and increased hepatic lipid accumulation. Based on our previous research on hepatic lipid-lowering effect of dietary flaxseed in egg laying hens, the current study examined the ability of flaxseed-based diets with supplementary choline to attenuate FLHS pathology. In addition, hepatic phospholipid composition, fatty acid profile, and antioxidant status were also assessed. A total of 24 (Lohmann Brown) laying hens (n = 24) (40 wk old) were kept individually in cages and were fed 1 of the 2 corn-soybean meal-based diets containing 15 g/100 g flaxseed (Flax) or Flax +0.15 g/100 g choline chloride (Flax+Cho) for a period of 140 d. Histopathology revealed an increase in hepatocytes vacuolization in Flax+Cho hens. Statistical analysis of total pathological scores in liver indicated that Flax+Cho perpetuated fatty liver pathology (P 0.05). In conclusion, dietary choline enhanced antioxidant status while reducing total lipid and PC content in the hepatic tissue of hens fed flaxseed. Supplementing choline in flaxseed-based diets reduced oxidative stress in hens fed flaxseed. Choline supplementation was not effective in attenuating FLHS pathology in hens fed flaxseed.

Chemical-nutritional parameters and volatile profile of eggs and cakes made with eggs from ISA Warren laying hens fed with a dietary supplementation of extruded linseed.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical-nutritional parameters, oxidative stability and volatile profile of eggs and cakes made with eggs from laying hens fed with a dietary supplementation of extruded linseed.MethodsTwo thousand ISA Warren laying hens were randomly divided into two groups: a control group was fed with a standard diet while the experimental group received the same diet supplemented with 7% of extruded linseed. The trial lasted 84 days, in which three samplings of laid eggs were performed. Samples of eggs and food systems arising from eggs were then analyzed in order to obtain information about β-carotene and total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, fatty acid profile, lipid oxidation, and volatile profile.ResultsLinseed induced the increase of α-linolenic acid with consequent reduction of the ω-6/ω-3 ratio (4.3:1 in egg yolk); in addition to this, was evidenced the cholesterol reduction and the significant increase in total flavonoids and β-carotene, although no variations were detected in antioxidant capacity. Even in cooked products there was not only a direct effect of linseed in increasing α-linolenic acid, but also in inducing the reduction of cholesterol and its major oxidation product, 7-ketocholesterol. The dietary linseed integration was also shown to affect the volatile profile of baked products.ConclusionData confirmed that dietary supplementation with extruded linseed resulted in food products with interesting implications for human health. With regard to the volatile profile of baked products it would be necessary undertake further sensorial analysis in order to evaluate any variations on flavor and consumer acceptability.

In dairy cattle, the stomach tube method is not a feasible alternative to the rumen cannulation method to examine in vitro gas and methane production

The objectives were to compare in vitro gas and methane (CH4) production kinetics using rumen fluid as inoculum collected via the rumen cannulation (CAN) method and with the oral stomach tube (OST) method, and to test for interactions between the type of inoculum and the diet fed to the donor cows as well as with the substrate incubated. Four rumen-cannulated lactating Holstein-Friesian cows (364 ± 20 days in milk, 690 ± 37 kg of bodyweight, 22.0 ± 6.0 kg of milk/day; mean ± SD) were blocked in pairs balanced over treatment sequence in a 2 × 2 crossover design. Cows were fed a total mixed ration consisting of 40% maize silage, 30% grass silage, and 30% concentrate on dry matter (DM) basis, with or without dietary linseed oil (a difference of 23 g/kg DM in fat content between the two diets). Rumen fluid was collected using the CAN and the OST method from each cow at d 17 of each experimental period. Subsequently, a 48 h gas production (GP) experiment was performed in which rumen fluid from each donor cow × rumen fluid sampling method was incubated with three substrates, viz. amygold, lupine, and wheat. The pH of the rumen fluid obtained using the OST method was higher than that of the rumen fluid obtained using the CAN method, whereas the total VFA concentration was lower and the VFA molar proportions unaffected. Multiple diet × inoculum and substrate × inoculum interactions in in vitro GP and CH4 kinetic parameters were observed. Furthermore, several GP and CH4 kinetic parameters, including total GP, absolute, asymptotic, and relative CH4 production, and maximum CH4 production rate, were higher for the CAN method compared with the OST method. The opposite was observed for, amongst others, the switching characteristic of the CH4 production profile and the half time to reach maximum asymptotic GP of the insoluble fraction. In conclusion, rumen fluid obtained using the OST sampling technique differs from that obtained using the CAN method, resulting in differences in in vitro gas and CH4 production profiles between both methods. The multiple interactions indicate that the rumen fluid sampling method can affect the in vitro GP and CH4 kinetics found for diet and for substrate. The results of this study therefore do not support the OST method as a feasible alternative to the CAN method in dairy cattle to examine in vitro gas and CH4 production.

Dietary flaxseed protects against ventricular arrhythmias and left ventricular dilation after a myocardial infarction

Dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) have been associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular events and sudden cardiac death. Flaxseed is a rich plant source of n-3 PUFAs and can retard the progression and accelerate the regression of atherosclerotic plaques. The aim of the study was to examine the preventive and therapeutic effects of dietary flaxseed on arrhythmias and heart dysfunction that develops after a myocardial infarction (MI). The left anterior descending coronary artery was ligated in rats to induce the MI. Rats were randomized into five groups: sham MI with normal chow, MI with normal chow, MI with 10% milled flaxseed supplementation (flax), MI with 4.4% supplemented flax oil enriched in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and MI with flax lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) supplementation (0.44%). Animals were fed with their respective diets for 2 weeks before and for 8 weeks after the surgery. Echocardiography and continuous electrocardiographic recordings were obtained after ligation to confirm the induction of the MI, to check for arrhythmias and to assess cardiac function. Histological examination was also performed to evaluate cardiac fibrosis. Dietary supplementation with flaxseed, ALA or SDG before and after the induction of the MI significantly reduced the incidence of arrhythmias and resulted in significantly smaller infarct size, less left ventricle dilation, and decreased myocardial fibrosis and tumor necrosis factor-α levels compared to the control MI group. Together, this study supports a beneficial effect of dietary flaxseed in patients for the prevention and treatment of arrhythmias and ventricular remodeling post-MI.

Dietary Flaxseed as a Strategy for Improving Human Health.

Flaxseed is a rich source of the omega-3 fatty acid, alpha linolenic acid, the lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside and fiber. These compounds provide bioactivity of value to the health of animals and humans through their anti-inflammatory action, anti-oxidative capacity and lipid modulating properties. The characteristics of ingesting flaxseed or its bioactive components are discussed in this article. The benefits of administering flaxseed or the individual bioactive components on health and disease are also discussed in this review. Specifically, the current evidence on the benefits or limitations of dietary flaxseed in a variety of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, gastro-intestinal health and brain development and function, as well as hormonal status in menopausal women, are comprehensive topics for discussion.

Dietary Flaxseed Protects against Post‐Myocardial Infarction Arrhythmias and Injury

Dietary Ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Ω‐3 PUFAs) have been associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular events and sudden cardiac death. Flaxseed is one of the richest plant sources of Ω‐3 PUFAs and has been observed to retard the progression and accelerate the regression of atherosclerotic plaque. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of dietary flaxseed on heart function and arrhythmias that develop after a myocardial infarction (MI). The left anterior descending coronary artery was ligated in rats to induce the MI. Rats were randomized into five groups: sham MI with normal chow, MI with normal chow, MI with 10% milled flaxseed supplementation (flax), MI with 4.4% supplemented flax oil rich in alpha‐linolenic acid (ALA), and MI with flax lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) supplementation (0.44%). Animals were fed with their respective diets for two weeks before and for 8 weeks after the surgery. Echocardiography and continuous ECG recordings were obtained after ligation to confirm the induction of the MI, to check for arrhythmias and to assess cardiac function. Histological examination was also performed to evaluate cardiac fibrosis. Dietary supplementation with flax, ALA, and SDG significantly reduced the incidence of arrhythmia. Hearts obtained from flax, ALA, and SDG supplemented animals exhibited the smallest infarct size (12.39±0.77%, 13.70±1.20%, 11.63±1.36% vs. 34.02±3.22%, p&lt;0.001). The left ventricle in the flax group was significantly less dilated compared to the control group (6.41±0.22 mm vs. 8.26±0.28 mm, p&lt;0.001). A significantly small percentage of myocardial fibrosis and levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α were observed in all flax groups compared to the MI group (p&lt;0.001). Together, this study generates evidence for a beneficial effect of flaxseed in patients post MI for the prevention of arrhythmias and ventricular remodeling.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by AAFC, CIHR, SaskFlax, Western Grain Research Foundation, Pizzey's Ingredients and St Boniface Hospital Foundation.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Dietary omega-3 and antioxidants improve long-chain omega-3 and lipid oxidation of broiler meat

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the possibility of producing broiler meat rich in long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 n-3) with preventing lipid oxidation of the produced meat by supplementing the diets with linseed oil or fish oil along with vitamin E (Vit. E) or sweet chestnut tannins (SCT) as antioxidants. A total of 144 1-day-old Cobb broiler chicks were divided into six treatments with three replicates, eight chicks each. The treatments were basal diets containing 2 g linseed oil/100 g (T1), 2 g linseed oil/100 g + 200 mg Vit. E/kg (T2) and 2 g linseed oil/100 g + 2 g SCT/kg (T3), 2 g fish oil/100 g (T4), 2 g fish oil/100 g + 200 mg Vit. E/kg (T5), and 2 g fish oil/100 g + 2 g SCT/kg (T6) for 5 weeks. Fatty acid composition, thiobarbituric acid (TBA), and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity were determined.ResultsDietary 2 g fish oil/100 g elevated (P ≤ 0.001) long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in broiler meat mainly EPA and DHA. At the same time, dietary fish oil resulted in a significant decrease (P ≤ 0.001) in α-linolenic acid in broiler meat (6%). However, total omega-3 fatty acids in meat were higher (P ≤ 0.001) with dietary fish oil than with dietary linseed oil. The ratio of n-6:n-3 PUFA was decreased (P ≤ 0.001) in the meat of broilers fed diets containing 2 g fish oil/100 g compared with broilers fed diets containing 2 g linseed oil/100 g. The two sources of antioxidant decreased (P ≤ 0.05) TBA value and increased (P ≤ 0.05) the DPPH radical scavenging activity in broiler meat compared to the diet without antioxidant. No significant differences observed between chicks fed 2 g SCT/kg or 200 mg Vit. E/kg on TBA and DPPH radical scavenging activity.ConclusionsIt is concluded that inclusion of 2 g fish oil/100 g in broiler diets elevated levels of long-chain omega-3 PUFA mainly EPA and DHA, but decreased n-6:n-3 ratio. Moreover, the addition of 2 g SCT/kg diet or 200 mg Vit. E/kg diet as antioxidant sources inhibited lipid oxidation and enhanced antioxidant activity value in broiler meat, and each of them had the same effect.

Dietary supplementation with flaxseed oil as source of Omega-3 fatty acids improves seminal quality and reproductive performance in aged broiler breeder roosters

Reproductive performance in aged broiler breeder roosters is not desirable. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of dietary flaxseed oil and vitamin E on the semen parameters, hormonal profiles, fatty acid analysis of sperm, and fertility performance of aged roosters. Twenty four roosters were assigned into four treatments and received their diets as following: 1) basal diet as control group (CTRL), 2) basal diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg vitamin E (CTRL + VITE), 3) basal diet supplemented with 2% flaxseed oil (FLAX) and 4) basal diet supplemented with 2% flaxseed oil plus 200 mg/kg vitamin E (FLAX + VITE). Roosters were fed their diets for 60 days and then, different characteristics of reproduction in the roosters were examined during experiment. Different diets affected semen parameters (P ≤ 0.05) except semen volume and morphology. Various characteristics of semen were significant (P ≤ 0.05) during different times of experiment excluding the total motility, membrane integrity and morphology. The higher percentage of sperm concentration, total motility, progressive motility, viability and membrane integrity accorded with a lower lipid peroxidation were observed in the roosters fed diet of FLAX + VITE (P ≤ 0.05). A higher concentration of testosterone was detected in roosters fed FALX + VITE at day 60 (P ≤ 0.05). Moreover, the percentage docosapantaenoic acid (DPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) of sperm were increased in the diet of FLAX (P ≤ 0.05). Finally, rate of fertility after artificial insemination was significantly higher in the diet of FLAX + VITE. It seems that supplementation of aged roosters’ diet with flaxseed oil and VITE improves the semen performance and fertility potential that can be a suitable strategy to preserve the reproductive performance of aged rooters.

Dietary flaxseed and tamoxifen affect the inflammatory microenvironment in vivo in normal human breast tissue of postmenopausal women.

Anti-oestrogens such as tamoxifen, decrease the risk of breast cancer but are unsuitable for prevention because of their side-effects. Diet modifications may be a breast cancer prevention strategy. Here, we investigated if a diet addition of flaxseed, which can be converted to the phytoestrogen enterolactone by the gut microbiota, exhibited similar effects as tamoxifen on normal human breast tissue in vivo, with special emphasis on inflammatory mediators implicated in cancer progression. A total of 28 postmenopausal women were included. Thirteen women added 25 g of ground flaxseed per day and 15 were treated with tamoxifen as an adjuvant for early breast cancer for 6 weeks. Microdialysis of normal breast tissue and, as a control, in subcutaneous abdominal fat was performed for sampling of extracellular proteins in vivo before and after exposures. Enterolactone levels increased significantly after flaxseed. IL-1Ra and IL-1Ra/IL-1β ratio in the breast increased in a similar fashion after the two different treatments. Flaxseed also increased breast specific levels of IL-1RT2, IL-18 and sST2 and an overall increase of MMP-9. These changes correlated significantly with enterolactone levels. Tamoxifen decreased breast tissue levels of IL-8 and IL-18. None of the treatments induced any changes of IL-1β, IL-1RT1, IL-18BP, IL-33, IL-6, IL-6RA, MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-3. We conclude that dietary flaxseed and tamoxifen exert both similar and different effects, as listed above, on normal breast tissue in vivo and that a relatively modest diet change can induce significant effects on the breast microenvironment.

Effect of Linseed Supplementation on Total Longissimus Muscle Lipid Composition and Shelf-Life of Beef From Young Maremmana Bulls.

Twenty young Maremmana bulls were randomly allotted to two dietary groups during a finishing period (~90 days): C diet (without lipid supplementation), and L diet (with linseed supplementation, 20% concentrate feed). The aim was to investigate the effects of dietary linseed supplementation on the intramuscular fat composition, and the shelf-life of minced beef. The L diet did not alter the dressing rate and daily weight gain, whereas the C18:3n-3 content in the intramuscular fat significantly increased (from 0.85 to 1.78 g/100 g of total fatty acid, +109%), leading to a reduction in a n-6/n-3 ratio below four and an increase in the overall proportion of long chain n-3 fatty acids in beef lipids. These effects were principally related to differences in the distribution of fatty acids between the neutral and polar lipids. The results demonstrated that linseed supplementation modified the lipid composition of beef, without negatively impacting overall productivity, in the period from weaning the bull until its slaughter. However, the total amount of n-3 fatty acids in the beef of young bulls on the L diet, was not sufficient for the aliquot of humans′ n-3 fatty acid requirements. This was mainly related to the low levels of fat in the beef. Comparing beef samples from animals on the L diet, with samples from animals on the C diet, the higher levels of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids led to a significant reduction of shelf-life starting after 2 days of storage at 4°C, because of fatty acid and cholesterol oxidation. The L diet group samples showed a higher level of TBARS (+80%) and COPs (+73%), two important parameters to estimate the oxidation level of beef. This suggests that enriching beef with n-3 fatty acids should be coupled with packaging techniques that consider the higher susceptibility to lipid oxidation. In conclusion, dietary linseed supplementation led to a higher proportion of n-3 fatty acids in beef lipids, however, the natural content of antioxidant substances was not able to protect intramuscular fat from oxidation during storage at 4°C.

The impact of dietary linseed oil and pomegranate peel extract on broiler growth, carcass traits, serum lipid profile, and meat fatty acid, phenol, and flavonoid contents

ObjectiveThe current study aimed to replace soybean oil in broiler diets with linseed oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acid supplemented with pomegranate peel extract (PPE) and measured its effect on broiler performance, carcass traits, lipid profile, as well as fatty acids composition, phenols and flavonoids content of broiler muscles and immunity of broiler chicks.MethodsA total of 300 1-day-old Cobb chicks were randomly allotted into six experimental groups, T1 fed on basal diet with soybean oil without any additives, T2 fed on basal diet with soybean oil with addition of 0.5 g/kg diet PPE, T3 fed on fed on basal diet with soybean oil with addition of 1 g/kg diet PPE, T4 fed on basal diet with linseed oil without any additives, T5 fed on basal diet with linseed oil with addition of 0.5 g/kg diet PPE and T6 fed on basal diet with linseed oil with addition of 1 g/kg diet PPE. The PPE supplementation with 0.05% improved final body weight with either soybean oil ration or linseed oil ration.ResultsThe PPE improved carcass dressing percentage in comparison with the control groups. Body fat levels decreased with increasing PPE levels, especially with a linseed oil diet. Replacing soybean oil with linseed oil decreased the total cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels in broiler serum. The PPE supplementation decreased serum total cholesterol levels and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The content of the breast muscle alpha linolenic acid improved after replacement of soybean oil with linseed oil in broiler diets. PPE supplementation increased the phenol and flavonoid content in broiler meat and increased lysozyme activity.ConclusionReplacing soybean oil with linseed oil in broiler diets with the addition of PPE enriched muscle meat with omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants and improved broiler immunity and their serum lipid profile.

Fatty acid profile, meat quality and flavour acceptability of beef from double-muscled Piemontese young bulls fed ground flaxseed

This study was designed to assess the effects of dietary flaxseed on the proximate composition, fatty acid profile, lipid oxidation, colour and flavour of the longissimus thoracis muscle of double-muscled Piemontese young bulls. Compared to a control diet, the flaxseed diet had no significant effect on the moisture, protein or ether extract content. Flaxseed modified the fatty acid composition of beef. A more than doubled n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) content (from 21.1 to 46.7 g/kg of total fatty acids – TFA – in control and flaxseed beef, respectively; p < .001) and a lowered n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio (13.13 versus 5.60; p < .001) were observed. The total trans-octadecadienoic acids were also increased by flaxseed (7.8 vs 12.1 g/kg TFA; p = .001). The total saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids and PUFA contents, as well as the PUFA/SFA ratio, remained unaffected by the treatment. Lipid oxidation stability tended to be negatively affected by flaxseed (p = .096). Such a negative effect was more pronounced as the ageing period advanced. The malondialdehyde content was ≤0.72 mg MDA/kg meat, and was therefore below the threshold values for rancidity. Meat colour was not influenced by dietary treatment. The inclusion of flaxseed in the diet increased beef flavour intensity perceived by consumers and did not negatively affect flavour acceptability. Properly combining the choice of animal breed and diet allows a slight improvement of the nutritional value of meat for human consumption.HighlightsProximate composition, colour and flavour of Piemontese beef are not affected by dietary flaxseedDietary flaxseed increases ALA and long-chain n-3 PUFA and lowers the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio of Piemontese beefFlaxseed unprotected from ruminal biohydrogenation does not allow labelling Piemontese beef as source of n-3 FA in the European Union

Methane prediction based on individual or groups of milk fatty acids for dairy cows fed rations with or without linseed

Milk fatty acids (MFA) are a proxy for the prediction of CH4 emission from cows, and prediction differs with diet. Our objectives were (1) to compare the effect of diets on the relation between MFA profile and measured CH4 production, (2) to predict CH4 production based on 6 data sets differing in the number and type of MFA, and (3) to test whether additional inclusion of energy-corrected milk (ECM) yield or dry matter intake (DMI) as explanatory variables improves predictions. Twenty dairy cows were used. Four diets were used based on corn silage (CS) or grass silage (GS) without (L0) or with linseed (LS) supplementation. Ten cows were fed CS-L0 and CS-LS and the other 10 cows were fed GS-L0 and GS-LS in random order. In feeding wk 5 of each diet, CH4 production (L/d) was measured in respiration chambers for 48 h and milk was analyzed for MFA concentrations by gas chromatography. Specific CH4 prediction equations were obtained for L0-, LS-, GS-, and CS-based diets and for all 4 diets collectively and validated by an internal cross-validation. Models were developed containing either 43 identified MFA or a reduced set of 7 groups of biochemically related MFA plus C16:0 and C18:0. The CS and LS diets reduced CH4 production compared with GS and L0 diets, respectively. Methane yield (L/kg of DMI) reduction by LS was higher with CS than GS diets. The concentrations of C18:1 trans and n-3 MFA differed among GS and CS diets. The LS diets resulted in a higher proportion of unsaturated MFA at the expense of saturated MFA. When using the data set of 43 individual MFA to predict CH4 production (L/d), the cross-validation coefficient of determination (R2CV) ranged from 0.47 to 0.92. When using groups of MFA variables, the R2CV ranged from 0.31 to 0.84. The fit parameters of the latter models were improved by inclusion of ECM or DMI, but not when added to the data set of 43 MFA for all diets pooled. Models based on GS diets always had a lower prediction potential (R2CV = 0.31 to 0.71) compared with data from CS diets (R2CV = 0.56 to 0.92). Models based on LS diets produced lower prediction with data sets with reduced MFA variables (R2CV = 0.62 to 0.68) compared with L0 diets (R2CV = 0.67 to 0.80). The MFA C18:1 cis-9 and C24:0 and the monounsaturated FA occurred most often in models. In conclusion, models with a reduced number of MFA variables and ECM or DMI are suitable for CH4 prediction, and CH4 prediction equations based on diets containing linseed resulted in lower prediction accuracy.

Dietary flaxseed: what we know and don't know about its effects on cardiovascular disease.

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) is composed of a unique combination of bioactive components that appear to generate, through either an isolated or a synergistic action, a significant beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. With a significant increase in the generation of data on the dietary impact of flaxseed on the cardiovascular system, a review of where we stand - what we know and what we still need to understand about these effects on the heart and the vasculature - was thought to be of value and the rationale for this paper. For example, although we now know how to deliver the bioactives most efficiently (oil versus ground seed versus whole seed), we do not know how different foods can influence that delivery. Further, we know flaxseed has anti-arrhythmic, anti-atherogenic, anti-hypertensive, and cholesterol-lowering actions in animal studies and some selected human trials but much more needs to be learned, particularly in human trials. These results have justified further commitment of resources to the initiation of human trials. Because of the impact of nutrition on many chronic diseases, this may not only be true for the effects of flaxseed on cardiovascular disease but may be just as relevant for many other disease conditions.