High Oleic Acid Sunflower Oil Research Articles

Sex differences in lipid mediators derived from omega-3 fatty acids in older individuals with low-grade chronic inflammation.

The rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD) death is higher in men than women before age 50 y, but the gap between sexes significantly narrows after menopause. Lipid mediators derived from EPA, DHA and AA play a role in inflammation and CVD. The aim of our study was to assess whether plasma concentrations of these lipid mediators differ between postmenopausal women and men. Twelve postmenopausal women and 9 men with low-grade chronic inflammation completed a randomized, double-blind, crossover study consisting of a 4-week lead-in placebo phase (3 g/d high-oleic acid sunflower oil) followed by randomization to either 3 g/d DHA or 3 g/d EPA for 10 weeks and crossover for additional 10 weeks, separated by a washout phase. Plasma phospholipid content of EPA, DHA and AA and plasma concentrations of their derived lipid mediators were measured at the end of the placebo lead-in phase (baseline) and the DHA and EPA supplementation phases. There were no sex differences in plasma phospholipid EPA, DHA and AA at baseline and after DHA and EPA supplementation. However, plasma concentrations of lipid mediators derived from EPA, DHA and AA via 15-lipoxygenase were lower in postmenopausal women than men, especially after supplementation. Sex differences in EPA- and DHA-derived lipid mediators with anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving actions may partly explain the faster rise in CVD in postmenopausal women than age-matched men.

Optimization of an onion oil microemulsion by response surface methodology for enhanced physicochemical stability and biological activity

Onion oil (OO) containing propyl-propane thiosulfinate (PTS) and propyl-propane thiosulfonate (PTSO) is known for various therapeutic properties. However, its industrial use in hydrophilic matrices is challenging due to the lack of physicochemical stability. Applying Box-Behnken design (BBD), we developed an optimal OO microemulsion (OOME) with a minimum droplet size and maximum chemical stability. The OOME comprised 2 % w/w oily phase (high oleic acid sunflower oil), 120 mg/L of OO containing PTS+PTSO, 1.47 % w/w emulsifier (Diacetyl tartaric acid ester of mono-diglycerides, DATEM), 0.25 % stabilizer (xanthan gum) and 573 mM phosphate buffer. Turbidimetry as well as laser and dynamic light scattering over 30 days was used to characterize physical stability of the OOME, assessing chemical stability by HPLC. Cytotoxicity and quantification of cytokines (IL-4 and IL-8) were evaluated in colorectal cancer cells (HT-29, T-84 and SW-837) culture supernatants. After 30 days of storage, OOME remained stable, with no flocculation or coalescence phenomena. It achieved a PTS+PTSO amount of 98 mg/L, a droplet size of 329 nm, a particle size dispersal coefficient of 0.89, and Z-potential was −40.17 mV. The OOME improved the antitumor effect of OO in lines HT-29 and SW-837, as well as its influence on the inflammatory response.

Monocyte transcriptomic profile following EPA and DHA supplementation in men and women with low-grade chronic inflammation

BackgroundRecent data indicate considerable variability in response to very long chain omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on cardiovascular disease risk. This inconsistency may be due to differential effects of EPA vs DHA and/or sex-specific responses. MethodsSixteen subjects (eight men and eight women) 50–75 y and with low-grade chronic inflammation participated in a randomized controlled crossover trial comparing 3 g/d EPA, 3 g/d DHA, and placebo (3 g/d high oleic acid sunflower oil). Blood monocytes were isolated at the end of each phase for RNA-sequencing. ResultsSex dimorphism in monocyte gene expression was observed, therefore, data for men and women were analyzed separately. 1088 genes were differentially expressed in men and 997 in women (p < 0.05). In both men and women, EPA and DHA repressed genes involved in protein turnover and mitochondrial energy metabolism, relative to placebo. In men only, EPA and DHA upregulated genes related to wound healing and PPARα activation. In women only, EPA and DHA activated genes related to ER stress response. Relative to DHA, EPA resulted in lower expression of genes involved in inflammatory processes in men, and lower expression of genes involved in ER stress response in women. ConclusionsEPA and DHA supplementation elicited both similar and differential effects on monocyte transcriptome, some of which were sex specific. The observed variability in response to EPA and DHA in men and women could in part explain the conflicting results from previous cardiovascular clinical trials using omega-3 fatty acids.

Formation of AGEs in Penaeus vannamei fried with high oleic acid sunflower oil.

Here, we investigated the effects of frying process on the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in shrimps using Penaeus vannamei as the raw material. The results showed that the oil, malondialdehyde, fluorescent AGEs, carboxymethyl lysine (CML), methylglyoxal hydroimidazolone (MG-H1) and the outer layer carboxyethyl lysine (CEL) content was higher in the fried shrimps than that in the raw unfried shrimps. The outer layer CML, CEL and inner CEL, MG-H1 values all reached the maximum after the first batch of frying (22.43mg/kg, 304.24mg/kg, 83.76mg/kg, and 169.42mg/kg respectively). However, fluorescent AGEs and MG-H1 of the outer layer reached the maximum after the fifth and fourth batches of frying (1230.0 AU/g and 341.63mg/kg). Malondialdehyde, fluorescent AGEs, CML, MG-H1, and CEL concentration in the fried shrimps firstly increased and then decreased to stabilization with more frying batches, with higher content in the outer layer of fried shrimps.

Olive pomace oil can improve blood lipid profile: a randomized, blind, crossover, controlled clinical trial in healthy and at-risk volunteers

PurposeThis study aimed to assess the effect of dietary consumption of olive pomace oil (OPO) on blood lipids (primary outcome) and other cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors (blood pressure, inflammation and endothelial function as secondary outcomes).MethodsA randomized, controlled, blind, crossover intervention was carried out in healthy and at-risk (hypercholesterolemic) subjects. Participants consumed daily 45 g of OPO or high-oleic acid sunflower oil (HOSO) as control oil during 4 weeks.ResultsOPO significantly reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; P = 0.003) and apolipoprotein B (Apo B; P = 0.022) serum concentrations, and LDL/HDL ratio (P = 0.027) in healthy and at-risk volunteers. These effects were not observed with HOSO. Blood pressure, peripheral artery tonometry (PAT), endothelial function and inflammation biomarkers were not affected.ConclusionsRegular consumption of OPO in the diet could have hypolipidemic actions in subjects at cardiovascular risk as well as in healthy consumers, contributing to CVD prevention.Clinical trial registryNCT04997122, August 8, 2021, retrospectively registered.

Differential and shared effects of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid on serum metabolome in subjects with chronic inflammation

The omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) affect cell function and metabolism, but the differential effects of EPA and DHA are not known. In a randomized, controlled, double-blind, crossover study, we assessed the effects of 10-week supplementation with EPA-only and DHA-only (3 g/d), relative to a 4-week lead-in phase of high oleic acid sunflower oil (3 g/day, defined as baseline), on fasting serum metabolites in 21 subjects (9 men and 12 post-menopausal women) with chronic inflammation and some characteristics of metabolic syndrome. Relative to baseline, EPA significantly lowered the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates fumarate and α-ketoglutarate and increased glucuronate, UDP-glucuronate, and non-esterified DHA. DHA significantly lowered the TCA cycle intermediates pyruvate, citrate, isocitrate, fumarate, α-ketoglutarate, and malate, and increased succinate and glucuronate. Pathway analysis showed that both EPA and DHA significantly affected the TCA cycle, the interconversion of pentose and glucuronate, and alanine, and aspartate and glutamate pathways (FDR < 0.05) and that DHA had a significantly greater effect on the TCA cycle than EPA. Our results indicate that EPA and DHA exhibit both common and differential effects on cell metabolism in subjects with chronic inflammation and some key aspects of metabolic syndrome.

Facile and Green Production of Human Milk Fat Substitute through Rhodococcus opacus Fermentation.

Human milk fat substitute (HMFS) is a class of structured lipids widely used in infant formulas. Herein, HMFS was prepared by Rhodococcus opacus fermentation. The substrate oils suitable for HMFS production were coconut oil (66.1-57.5%), soybean oil (17.5-26.5%), high oleic acid sunflower oil (5.4-4.5%), Antarctic krill oil (9-9.5%), and fungal oil (2%). Six HMFSs were prepared, among which HMFS V and VI were similar to human milk fat from Chinese in terms of fatty acid composition and triacylglycerol species. The sn-2 position of HMFS was occupied by palmitic acid (49.31 and 43.48% in HMFS V and VI, respectively). The major triacylglycerols were OPL, OPO, and LPL, accounting for 15.90, 9.49, and 6.84 and 17.52, 8.44, and 8.55% in HMFS V and VI, respectively. This study is the first to prepare structured lipids intended for infant formula through fermentation, providing a novel strategy for the edible oil industry.

EPA and DHA Have Differential Effects on Cholesterol Ester Transfer Protein and Lipoprotein Lipase Activities Following Plasma Triglycerides Lowering

Abstract Objectives Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are effective in reducing plasma triglyceride (TG) concentrations but have divergent effects on LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations. Differential regulations of cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activities are possible mechanisms of their differential effects. We assessed the effects of EPA and DHA supplementation on plasma lipid profiles and two enzyme activities involved in lipoprotein metabolism. Methods Nine men and twelve postmenopausal women (N = 21, 50–75y) with chronic inflammation (CRP &amp;gt; 2 mg/L) were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial consisting of a 4-wk lead-in phase with high oleic acid sunflower oil (3 g/d) followed by two 10-wk EPA and DHA supplementation phases (3 g/d each) separated by a 10-wk washout phase. Plasma was collected after the lead-in (baseline) and each n-3 fatty acid supplementation phase for analysis of TG, total cholesterol and HDL-C, and CETP and post-heparin LPL activities. LDL-C was estimated using the Friedewald formula. Results Subjects were recruited to have moderately elevated TG and LDL-C concentrations (mean ± SEM: 141 ± 11 and 130 ± 6 mg/dL, respectively). Compared to baseline, EPA supplementation lowered TG concentration (−28 ± 6 mg/dL, P &amp;lt; 0.001) and CETP activity (−1.6 ± 1.1 µg/mL/h, P &amp;lt; 0.05), whereas LDL-C concentration and LPL activity were unchanged. The changes in TG concentration and CETP activity were negatively correlated with baseline TG (r = −0.77 and −0.45, respectively, both P &amp;lt; 0.05). DHA supplementation lowered TG concentration (−31 ± 8 mg/dL, P &amp;lt; 0.001), and increased LDL-C concentration (+10 ± 4 mg/dL, P &amp;lt; 0.01) and LPL activity (+6.1 ± 4.0 mU/mL, P &amp;lt; 0.03), CETP activity was unchanged. The DHA-mediated increase in LPL activity was correlated with the baseline TG concentration and change in TG concentration (r = 0.64 and ρ = −0.45, respectively, both P &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusions In the context of the established TG-lowering effects of EPA and DHA, these n-3 fatty acids affected CETP and LPL activities differently. DHA-induced change in LDL-C concentration may be related to increased LPL activity, and the conversion of very low-density lipoprotein to LDL. Funding Sources AFRI/NIFA; USDA.

Long term effect of dietary lipid saturation on eggshell quality and bone characteristics of laying hens.

This study investigated the long-term effect of dietary fatty acid saturation on eggshell quality and bone characteristics of laying hens at end of lay. Five isoenergetic (3,011.5 kcal AME/kg DM) and isonitrogenous (169 g CP/kg DM) diets were formulated using different lipid sources at a constant 30 g/kg inclusion level. The control, polyunsaturated omega-3 (PUFA n-3), polyunsaturated omega-6 (PUFA n-6), monounsaturated omega-9 (MUFA n-9), and saturated fatty acid (SFA) diets consisted of linseed- and fish oil (50:50 blend), fish oil, sunflower oil, high oleic acid sunflower oil, and tallow, respectively. A total of 200 individually caged Hy-Line Silver-Brown hens (20 wk of age) were randomly allocated to the 5 treatments (n = 40 replicates/treatment) and received the experimental diets for 54 wk. During weeks 58, 62, 66, 70, and 74 of age (end-of-lay period), 20 eggs/treatment per day (n = 140 eggs/treatment per week) were selected for determining eggshell quality traits. At 74 wk of age, 10 birds per treatment (n = 10 birds/treatment) were randomly selected for the determination of bone quality characteristics. Data were statistically analyzed (P < 0.05) using a fully randomized 1-way ANOVA. Dietary treatment had no effect (P > 0.05) on eggshell quality traits. The MUFA n-9 treatment with the highest unsaturated to SFA ratio (UFA: SFA) resulted in a higher (P < 0.05) femur weight (10.34 g) as well as femur- (52.99%) and tibia ash (51.07%) content than the SFA treatment. Also, the PUFA n-3 diet resulted in a higher (P < 0.05) femur weight (10.21 g), femur ash (51.82%), and percentage femur (0.57%) compared to the SFA diet. Results suggested that prolonged feeding of diets varying in FA profile had no negative effect on eggshell quality, whereas UFA: SFA and long-chain n-3 PUFA affected the bone quality (especially the femur) of hens at the end of lay.

The differential effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on seizure frequency in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy — A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

ObjectivesThe omega-3 (n−3) fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are known to play an important role in maintenance and modulation of neuronal functions. There is evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may have anticonvulsant effects. The effect of DHA and EPA on seizure rate in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) was investigated. MethodsA double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial included ninety-nine (n = 99) subjects with DRE, aged 5–16 years (n = 85) and 17–45 years (n = 14). After randomization, subjects were given two, four, or six capsules per day of DHA (417.8 mg DHA and 50.8 mg EPA/capsule, n = 33), EPA (385.6 mg EPA and 81.2 mg DHA/capsule, n = 33), or placebo (high oleic acid sunflower oil, n = 33) for one year. The primary endpoint was the effect of treatment on rate of seizure. Random-effects negative binomial regression models were fitted to model the patients' total count of seizures per month. The treatment effects on seizure incidence rate ratio (IRR) were tested after controlling for the covariate effects of gender, age, rate of seizure per week at enrollment, type of seizure, and number of antiepileptic drug (AED) combinations used at enrollment. ResultsFifty-nine subjects (n = 59) completed the study (59.6%). The average number of seizures per month were 9.7 ± 1.2 in the EPA group, 11.7 ± 1.5 in the DHA group, and 16.6 ± 1.5 in the placebo group. Age, gender, and seizure-type adjusted seizure IRRs of the EPA and DHA groups compared with the placebo group were 0.61 (CI = 0.42–0.88, p = 0.008, 42% reduction) and 0.67 (CI = 0.46–1.0, p = 0.04, 39% reduction), respectively. There was no difference in IRR between the EPA and DHA groups (p = 0.56). Both treatment groups had a significantly higher number of seizure-free days compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05). SignificanceThis study demonstrates that EPA and DHA are effective in reducing seizure frequency in patients with DRE.

Effects of concentrated long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation before radical prostatectomy on prostate cancer proliferation, inflammation, and quality of life: study protocol for a phase IIb, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundProstate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in north-American men. Few dietary or lifestyle interventions have been tested to prevent prostate cancer progression. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation represents a promising intervention for prostate cancer patients. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effects of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn3), more precisely eicosapentaenoic acid monoacylglyceride (MAG-EPA) supplementation, on prostate cancer proliferation, inflammation mediators and quality of life among men who will undergo radical prostatectomy.Methods/designWe propose a phase IIb, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of MAG-EPA supplementation for 130 men who will undergo radical prostatectomy as treatment for a prostate cancer of Gleason score ≥ 7 in an academic cancer center in Quebec City. Participants will be randomized to 6 capsules of 625 mg of fish oil (MAG-EPA) per capsule containing 500 mg of EPA daily or to identically looking capsules of high oleic acid sunflower oil (HOSO) as placebo. The intervention begins 4 to 10 weeks prior to radical prostatectomy (baseline) and continues for one year after surgery. The primary endpoint is the proliferative index (Ki-67) measured in prostate cancer cells at radical prostatectomy. A secondary endpoint includes prostate tissue levels of inflammatory mediators (cytokines and proteins) at time of radical prostatectomy. Changes in blood levels of inflammatory mediators, relative to baseline levels, at time of radical prostatectomy and 12 months after radical prostatectomy will also be evaluated. Secondary endpoints also include important aspects of psychosocial functioning and quality of life such as depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, fatigue, cognitive complaints and prostate cancer-specific quality of life domains. The changes in these outcomes, relative to baseline levels, will be evaluated at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after radical prostatectomy.DiscussionThe results from this trial will provide crucial information to clarify the role of omega-3 supplementation on prostate cancer proliferation, inflammation and quality of life.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02333435. Registered on December 17, 2014. Last updated September 6, 2016.

Rheological properties of wax oleogels rich in high oleic acid

ABSTRACTDual and triple combinations of high oleic acid sunflower oil (SO), SO, and blend oil (BO) were used to produce carnauba wax (CW) oleogels (OGs). Fatty acid composition, solid fat content (SFC), and rheological and textural properties of these OGs were determined and compared to laboratory-manufactured margarine. Fatty acid composition, SFC, rheological properties, and firmness value of the OGs were significantly influenced by oil combinations. The storage modulus (G’) value was higher than the loss modulus (G’’) value in all the OGs. It indicated they are solid-like characteristics. Positive correlation between hardness and AF parameter was found.

Effects of High Oleic Acid Sunflower Oil on Egg Quality and Fatty Acid Composition of Egg Yolk in Laying Hens

Effects of High Oleic Acid Sunflower Oil on Egg Quality and Fatty Acid Composition of Egg Yolk in Laying Hens

Maternal Fish Oil Supplementation Affects the Social Behavior, Brain Fatty Acid Profile, and Sickness Response of Piglets1–3

Background: Maternal dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake is thought to affect development in the offspring.Objective: We assessed the impact of maternal dietary DHA on behavior, brain fatty acid (FA) profile, and sickness response of offspring in pigs, a pertinent model for human nutrition.Methods: Sows (n = 24) were fed a diet with DHA-rich fish oil (FO) (20 g/kg) or high–oleic acid sunflower oil (HOSF) (20 g/kg) from day 61 of gestation through lactation. At 4 wk of age, 4 piglets per litter were weaned and mixed with piglets from other litters. Behavior was observed in 4- to 8-wk-old piglets, and brain FA composition was analyzed at 4 (n = 15) and 14 (n = 12) wk. Thirteen-week-old piglets (n = 48) were subjected to a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Body temperature, plasma cytokines, and motivation to approach a familiar human, indicative of a sickness response, were measured.Results: FO-fed pigs displayed more social activities (+262%, P = 0.02), played more (+61%, P = 0.03), and tended to show fewer oral manipulative behaviors directed at pen mates (−25%, P = 0.06) than did HOSF-fed pigs up to 4 wk after weaning. Brain DHA concentrations were higher in FO- than in HOSF-fed pigs up to 10 wk after supplementation (+10–50%, P < 0.001), although differences declined with age. Body temperature (P < 0.001) and tumor necrosis factor α and interferon γ concentrations (P < 0.05) increased after LPS injection, but no diet effect was found (P > 0.10). LPS-treated pigs were less likely to approach the human than saline-treated pigs in the HOSF-fed (−29%, P = 0.0003), but not in the FO-fed group (−13%, P = 0.11).Conclusions: Maternal DHA beneficially affected offspring social behavior after weaning and mildly attenuated sickness behavior after an inflammatory challenge in pigs. These behavioral changes may be mediated by increased brain DHA proportions.

Preparation of 1, 3‐dioleoyl‐2‐palmitoylglycerol‐rich structured lipids from basa catfish oil: Combination of fractionation and enzymatic acidolysis

1,3‐dioleoyl‐2‐palmitoylglycerol (OPO)‐rich structured lipids were successfully prepared from basa catfish oil by a two‐step process, namely, fractionation to enrich triacylglycerol (TAG) fractions with high content of sn‐2 palmitic acid and Lipozyme RM IM‐catalyzed acidolysis of the fractionated products with free fatty acids from high oleic acid sunflower oil to increase the content of OPO. In the first step, the content of sn‐2 palmitic acid of solid fraction was increased from 49.34 to 60.42% after programmed temperature treatment of basa catfish oil at 60°C for 30 min followed by 30°C for 12 h. In the second step, the solid fraction was used for transesterification with the fatty acids from high oleic acid sunflower oil and the conditions selected for acidolysis reactions were as follows: substrate molar ratio, 1:6 (fatty acids/solid fat); enzyme load, 12 wt%; reaction temperature, 50°C; and reaction time, 2 h. Under these conditions, the contents of sn‐2 plamitic acid and sn‐1, 3 oleic acid were 57.80 and 79.21%, respectively, and the content of POO was increased from 20.13% in the basa catfish oil to 43.80% in the enzymatic product, which indicated high content of OPO.Practical applications: Basa catfish oil is a type of newly discovered oil occurring in nature with similar fatty acid composition and distribution to human milk fat. Preparation of OPO‐rich structured lipids from basa catfish oil is a new method which is important for development of human milk fat substitutes. This process for OPO‐rich structured lipid preparation practically developed by combination of dry fractionation and enzymatic acidolysis has great potential for use in infant formula industry.Basa catfish oil was found to have similar triacylglycerol (TAG) structure to that of human milk fat. The oil was used to produce OPO‐rich structured lipids via a two‐step approach. The first step is to enrich TAG fractions with palmitic acid (PA) at sn‐2 position by low‐temperature fractionation, and the second step is to incorporate more oleic acid (OA) in sn‐1, 3 positions of triacylglycerols by Lipozyme RM IM‐catalyzed acidolysis. The final product had 22.29% total PA, 58.43% PA at sn‐2 position, 80.16% OA at sn‐1, 3 positions, and the content of POO was 43.80%, which indicated high content of OPO.

The effect of dietary lipid sources on layer fertility and hatchability

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary fatty acids (FA) on the fertility and hatchability of laying hens at the end-of-lay period (69 - 77 weeks of age). Five isoenergetic (12.4 MJ ME/kg DM) and isonitrogenous (170 g CP/kg DM) diets were formulated using different lipid sources (30 g/kg inclusion) to manipulate the dietary FA profile. The control diet was formulated using a 50 : 50 blend of linseed and fish oil, while fish oil was used in the polyunsaturated n-3 treatment. Sunflower oil was used in the polyunsaturated n-6 treatment, while in the mono-unsaturated n-9 diet high oleic acid (HO) sunflower oil was used. Lastly, tallow was used as a lipid source in the saturated FA diet. One hundred and twenty five hens (n = 25/treatment) and 50 cockerels (n = 10/treatment) of the Hy-Line Silver-Brown genotype were randomly allocated to the five dietary treatments at 20 weeks of age. From 69 weeks of age, hens were inseminated with 0.06 mL undiluted semen from cockerels within the same dietary treatment. Between 71 and 78 weeks of age (49 days) a total of 588 eggs-per-treatment were collected, individually marked (date and hen number) and incubated in a single-stage still-air incubator. Eggs were candled on D7 and D14 to determine embryonic mortalities and a 24 h window for hatching was allowed (D21 + 24 h). Although the fish oil treatment resulted in the lowest egg weights (59.3 g) and fertility (84.6%), it recorded the highest hatchability (76%). In contrast, the sunflower oil treatment recorded the lowest hatchability (58.2%) of all treatments, despite its high egg fertility (89.6%). Results of the study suggest that the dietary fatty acid content, in particular the n-3 and n-6 levels, need critical consideration in terms of concentration and ratio in the formulation of breeder diets to limit embryonic mortalities during incubation.Keywords: Chicks, embryo, mortality, mono-, polyunsaturated fatty acids

Effects of stearidonic acid on serum triacylglycerol concentrations in overweight and obese subjects: a randomized controlled trial.

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which may reduce the risk for coronary heart disease (CHD), can be synthesized at low rates from α-linolenic acid (ALA). The rate-limiting step for this conversion is the Δ6-desaturation of ALA into stearidonic acid (SDA). Thus providing oils rich in SDA may increase endogenous synthesis of EPA, which may subsequently lower serum triacylglycerol concentrations, an effect frequently observed after EPA supplementation. We therefore studied the effects of Echium oil on serum triacylglycerol concentrations and the omega-3 index, which correlate negatively with the risk for CHD. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial was conducted, in which 36 healthy overweight and slightly obese subjects daily received 10 g of Echium oil (providing 1.2 g of SDA) or a high oleic acid sunflower oil (HOSO) as control for 6 weeks, with a washout period of at least 14 days. Four subjects dropped out. Differences between periods were tested for statistical significance (P<0.05) using a paired t-test. Serum triacylglycerol and other lipid concentrations were not significantly affected by consumption of Echium oil compared with HOSO. Echium oil significantly increased percentage of EPA in red blood cell (RBC) membranes with 0.14 ± 0.25% (mean ± s.d.) compared with HOSO (P=0.02). No significant effects on docosahexaenoic acid in RBC membranes or on the omega-3 index were found. In healthy overweight and slightly obese subjects, an increased intake of SDA from Echium oil does not lower serum triacylglycerol concentrations. Despite an increase in the percentage of EPA in RBC membranes, the omega-3 index was not changed.

Palmitic acid in the sn-2 position of dietary triacylglycerols does not affect insulin secretion or glucose homeostasis in healthy men and women.

Background/objectives:Dietary triacylglycerols containing palmitic acid in the sn-2 position might impair insulin release and increase plasma glucose.Subjects/Methods:We used a cross-over designed feeding trial in 53 healthy Asian men and women (20–50 years) to test this hypothesis by exchanging 20% energy of palm olein (PO; control) with randomly interesterified PO (IPO) or high oleic acid sunflower oil (HOS). After a 2-week run-in period on PO, participants were fed PO, IPO and HOS for 6 week consecutively in randomly allocated sequences. Fasting (midpoint and endpoint) and postprandial blood at the endpoint following a test meal (3.54 MJ, 14 g protein, 85 g carbohydrate and 50 g fat as PO) were collected for the measurement of C-peptide, insulin, glucose, plasma glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1, lipids and apolipoproteins; pre-specified primary and secondary outcomes were postprandial changes in C-peptide and plasma glucose.Results:Low density lipoprotein cholesterol was 0.3 mmol/l (95% confidence interval (95% CI)) 0.1, 0.5; P<0.001) lower on HOS than on PO or IPO as predicted, indicating good compliance to the dietary intervention. There were no significant differences (P=0.58) between diets among the 10 male and 31 female completers in the incremental area under the curve (0–2 h) for C-peptide in nmol.120 min/l: GM (95% CI) were PO 220 (196, 245), IPO 212 (190, 235) and HOS 224 (204, 244). Plasma glucose was 8% lower at 2 h on IPO vs PO and HOS (both P<0.05).Conclusion:Palmitic acid in the sn-2 position does not adversely impair insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis.

Effect of dietary fatty acid saturation on egg production at end-of-lay

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary fatty acid saturation on production performances of laying hens at end-of-lay. Five isoenergetic (12.6 MJ AME/kg DM) and isonitrogenous (170 g CP/kg DM) diets were formulated using different lipid sources at a constant 30 g/kg inclusion level. The control diet was formulated using a blend (50 : 50) of linseed- and fish oil, while the other treatments consist of pure fish oil (polyunsaturated n-3), sunflower oil (polyunsaturated n-6), high oleic acid (HO) sunflower oil (monounsaturated n-9) and tallow (SFA). Two hundred, individually caged Hy-Line Silver-Brown laying hens (20 weeks of age) were randomly allocated to the five dietary treatments (n = 40 replicates/treatment) and received the experimental diets for 54 weeks from 20 to 74 weeks of age. During weeks 58, 62, 66, 70 and 74 of age (end-of-lay period), all eggs produced were recorded and individually weighed while feed intake, as well as body weights of birds, were determined. Data for the respective collection weeks were pooled to calculate and statistical analyse production parameter means for the end-of-lay period. Average daily feed intake of birds in the polyunsaturated n-3 treatment (97.5 g/b/d) were the lowest while that of the polyunsaturated n-6 treatment (102.4 g/b/d) the highest. Furthermore, despite the significant effect of fatty acid saturation on feed intake, it had no effect on hen-day egg production, egg weight, egg output, feed efficiency or body weight of hens during end-of-lay. Since results of the current study fail to indicate a clear trend regarding dietary fatty acid saturation on feed intake of birds, it could be concluded that the long term exposure to a range of fatty acid saturation levels, has no negative effect on hen performance. Keywords: Eicosapentoenoic-, docosahexaenoic-, α-linolenic-, linoleic acid

The effect of lipid saturation on nutrient digestibility of layer diets

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary lipid saturation on nutrient digestibility of layer diets. Five isoenergetic (12.6 MJ AME/kg DM) and isonitrogenous (170 g CP/kg DM) diets were formulated using different lipid sources at a constant 30 g/kg inclusion level. The control n-3 diet was formulated using a blend (50 : 50) of linseed- and fish oil, while fish oil (polyunsaturated n-3), sunflower oil (polyunsaturated n-6), high oleic acid (HO) sunflower oil (monounsaturated n-9) and tallow (saturated fatty acid) were used as other supplementary lipid sources. The five dietary treatments were randomly allocated to the two hundred (200) individually caged Hy-Line Silver-Brown laying hens (20 weeks of age) (n = 40/treatment). Experimental diets were provided to the birds on an ad libitum basis for a 22 week period (from 20 to 42 weeks of age). At 42 weeks of age, six hens per treatment (n = 6 replicates/treatment), were randomly selected to partake in a digestibility study over a 7 day period using the total collection technique. The polyunsaturated n-6 treatment resulted in the lowest crude protein digestibility, whereas the saturated fatty acid treatment resulted in the lowest fat digestibility. Furthermore, the polyunsaturated n-3 diet resulted in the highest dietary AME (13.29 MJ/kg DM) and AMEn (12.74 MJ/kg DM) content.