N-3 Fatty Acids Research Articles

The kynurenine and serotonin pathway, neopterin and biopterin in depressed children and adolescents: an impact of omega-3 fatty acids, and association with markers related to depressive disorder. A randomized, blinded, prospective study.

https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN81655012, identifier ISRCTN81655012.

Oil Identification of harp seal and other select marine mammals

Because of the rich omega-3 fatty acids content, harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus) oil is a popular supplement that is packaged as pills in Canada and sold for medicinal purposes, although this practice is banned in the United States. Due to US regulations, it is important to be able to distinguish between fish oil and seal oil, but the taxonomic determination of oils provenance has been a difficult problem to solve. In this study, Direct Analysis in Real Time time-of-flight mass spectrometry (DART TOFMS) was used to analyze the chemotypes of blubber samples collected from seven species of marine mammals, including seals, sea lions, and a porpoise. Results indicated that the chemotype profiles found in negative-ion mode could be used to separate all of the species using Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components (DAPC). Consequently, this study suggests that it may be possible to identify the taxonomic source of marine mammal oils based on chemical chemotypes.

High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity Increases Brain Mitochondrial Complex I and Lipoxidation-Derived Protein Damage.

Obesity is a risk factor for highly prevalent age-related neurodegenerative diseases, the pathogenesis of whichinvolves mitochondrial dysfunction and protein oxidative damage. Lipoxidation, driven by high levels of peroxidizable unsaturated fatty acids and low antioxidant protection of the brain, stands out as a significant risk factor. To gain information on the relationship between obesity and brain molecular damage, in a porcine model of obesity we evaluated (1) the level of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes, as the main source of free radical generation, by Western blot; (2) the fatty acid profile by gas chromatography; and (3) the oxidative modification of proteins by mass spectrometry. The results demonstrate a selectively higher amount of the lipoxidation-derived biomarker malondialdehyde-lysine (MDAL) (34% increase) in the frontal cortex, and positive correlations between MDAL and LDL levels and body weight. No changes were observed in brain fatty acid profile by the high-fat diet, and the increased lipid peroxidative modification was associated with increased levels of mitochondrial complex I (NDUFS3 and NDUFA9 subunits) and complex II (flavoprotein). Interestingly, introducing n3 fatty acids and a probiotic in the high-fat diet prevented the observed changes, suggesting that dietary components can modulate protein oxidative modification at the cerebral level and opening new possibilities in neurodegenerative diseases' prevention.

Characteristics of Langmuir monomolecular monolayers formed by the novel oil blends

Abstract The aim of this work was to assess the physical properties of Langmuir monolayers of three new oil blends “RBWg” (obtained by mixing rapeseed oil, black cumin oil, and wheat germ oil), “REp” (rapeseed oil and evening primrose oil), and “CRb” (camelina oil and rice bran oil), as well as to characterize the molecular dynamics of their protons using low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF NMR) method. The studied blends are rich in oleic acid (C18:1), linolenic acid (C18:2), and α-linolenic acid (18:3). The chromatographically determined ratio of n6 to n3 fatty acids was found to be in the range of 5.18–5.27. The appropriate n6/n3 fatty acid ratio was also confirmed by FT-IR analysis. The spin–lattice relaxation rate (R 1) and spin–spin relaxation time (R 2) measured by LF NMR method were similar for the RBWg and REp blends but different from the third oil blend (CRb), which indicates lower proton mobility in CRb. The observed changes in the properties of monolayers of oil blends suggest that the refined rice bran oil in the CRb blend also significantly changes the viscoelastic properties of this blend. The results obtained in this study provide a theoretical basis for the development of a well-balanced approach to using oils in food production technology.

Dietary fatty acids and flight-training influence the expression of the eicosanoid hormone prostacyclin in songbirds

Diet shifts can alter tissue fatty acid composition in birds, which is subsequently related to metabolic patterns. Eicosanoids, short-lived fatty acid-derived hormones, have been proposed to mediate these relationships but neither baseline concentrations nor the responses to diet and exercise have been measured in songbirds. We quantified a stable derivative of the vasodilatory eicosanoid prostacyclin in the plasma of male European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris, N = 25) fed semisynthetic diets with either high (PUFA) or low (MUFA) amounts of n6 fatty acid precursors to prostacyclin. Plasma samples were taken from each bird before, immediately after, and two days following a 15-day flight-training regimen that a subset of birds (N = 17) underwent. We found elevated prostacyclin levels in flight-trained birds fed the PUFA diet compared to those fed the MUFA diet and a positive relationship between prostacyclin and body condition, indexed by fat score. Prostacyclin concentrations also significantly decreased at the final time point. These results are consistent with the proposed influences of precursor availability (i.e., dietary fatty acids) and regulatory feedback associated with exercise (i.e., fuel supply and inflammation), and suggest that prostacyclin may be an important mediator of dietary influence on songbird physiology.

Optimizing safety performance through risk-based modeling in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector

The Nigerian oil and gas sector is fraught with safety challenges that undermine operational integrity and worker welfare. Addressing these issues requires a nuanced risk-based intervention and modeling approach to improve safety performance. This study investigated the safety challenges in Nigeria's oil and gas sector, focusing on identifying and addressing hazards to enhance operational integrity and worker welfare. A semi-quantitative approach was used to develop a comprehensive hazard checklist, aligned with ISO standards and expert insights. Data on hazard likelihood and severity were gathered through questionnaires distributed among a diverse group of industry experts, workers, and stakeholders. The analysis highlighted key risks like inadequate infrastructure, valve and seal failures, security concerns, and oil spill risks, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to promote a safer working environment and reduce accident risks.

Dietary replacement of soybean meal with black soldier fly larvae meal in juvenile Labeo rohita and Catla catla: Effects on growth, nutritional quality, oxidative stress biomarkers and disease resistance.

This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of partial substitution of crude protein from soybean meal (SBM) with black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (BSFLM) in juvenile rohu (Labeo rohita) and catla (Catla catla). Four isonitrogenous diets (23% crude protein) were formulated to replace 0% (T0), 40% (T40), 80% (T80) and 100% (T100) crude protein from SBM with BSFLM. Triplicate groups of each species (10 fish per replicate) were fed in an eight week growth experiment. After final sampling (n = 20 fish per dietary group), the remaining fish were exposed to bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus) challenge (0.80 CFU/ml) for 15 days. Rohu fed with BSFLM substituted diets showed significantly higher growth and feed conversion ratio as compared to those in T0. Catla fed with BSFLM substituted diets showed slightly higher growth indices. The growth response of rohu to BSFLM substitution was better than that noted in catla in all groups. The chemical composition, amino acids and fatty acids profile, haematological and biochemical parameters, levels of liver function enzymes measured in T0, T40, T80 and T100 were similar between four dietary groups in both species. However, the maximum value of cholesterol and triglycerides were noted in T100 both in catla and rohu. The values of lauric acid, α-linolenic acid, decosahexanoic acid, n3:n6 fatty acids ratio progressively increased with dietary increase of BSFLM in both species. At end of the growth experiment, the levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase and lysozyme increased linearly with the inclusion of BSFLM in both species while malondialdehyde showed similar values between different groups. However, catalase, and superoxide dismutase increased (T0<T40<T80<T100) in both rohu and catla after exposure to bacterial challenge while malondialdehyde remained almost the same. These biomarkers indicate that substitution of SBM with BSFLM up to 100% improved disease resistance in both species against gram-positive bacteria.

Association between the intake of dietary n3 and n6 fatty acids and stroke in US adults: A cross-sectional study of NHANES 2007–2018

Background The association between the intake of dietary n3 and n6 fatty acids and the risk of stroke is subject to debate. The primary objective of the present research was to establish the correlation in a large sample of American adults. Methods Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2007 and 2018, the association of the intake of dietary n3 and n6 fatty acids with stroke events was analyzed in a sample of 29,459 adults. The intake of n3 and n6 fatty acids intake was assessed though two 24-h dietary recalls. Stroke outcomes were identified based on the responses provided in self-reported questionnaire. Logistic regression was fitted to evaluate the correlation of dietary n3, n6 fatty acids intake with stroke events. Results Subjects in the highest tertile (T3) of dietary n3 (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.49–0.93), n6 (OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.45–0.95) fatty acids intake were found to have obviously lower risk of stroke compared to those in the lowest tertile (T1), but the n6:n3 ratio was not found to be associated with a stroke event. Results from stratified analysis demonstrated that dietary n3 fatty acids had an inverse correlation of stroke in both male and female, but dietary n6 fatty acids only had this correlation in male. Moreover, findings were made that the interaction was significant in terms of age in the subgroup analysis, and the negative relationship between the intake of dietary n3 and n6 fatty acids and stroke event were particularly pronounced among participants aged ≥60. Conclusions The present results suggested that increased dietary n3, n6 fatty acids intake correlated with a lower risk of stroke.

Effects of Hemp Seed on the Production, Fatty Acid Profile, and Antioxidant Capacity of Milk from Goats Fed Hay or a Mixed Shrubs-Grass Rangeland.

The research objective was to evaluate the effect of dietary incorporation of hemp seeds in goats fed with hay or mixed shrubs-grass rangeland on the production, FA profile and health-related lipid indices, antioxidant content and total antioxidant capacity of milk, with the purpose to increase the content of beneficial ingredients in milk and to improve its functional activity. Forty indigenous Carpathian goats were allocated into two groups according to the type of basic forage in their diet: hay (H) or mixed shrubs-grass rangeland (SG); each of them was further divided into two subgroups according to the presence of Hs in the concentrate mixture (250 g/kg) or not. Milk production was determined, and milk samples were collected and analyzed for fat, protein, lactose, and cholesterol content, as well as FA profile, lipophilic antioxidant content (α-tocopherol and retinol), and milk TAC. SG goats gave less milk (p < 0.01) but with higher milk fat (p < 0.001) and lower cholesterol content (p < 0.01) than H goats, while milk protein and lactose contents were not affected. Supplementing the diet with Hs caused a significant increase in milk production (p < 0.05) and milk fat content (p < 0.001) and a decrease in cholesterol content (p < 0.05). Grazing compared to indoor feeding but also supplementing the diet with Hs had the effect of decreasing the proportion of SFAs and increasing the concentrations of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) in goat milk fat (p < 0.01). Fats in the milk of SG goats compared to H, but also in those supplemented with Hs, showed significantly higher proportions of vaccenic acid (VA), rumenic acid (CLA c-9,t-11) and omega-3 FA (α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA)) which are considered healthy for consumers. The feeding system based on SG and the diet supplementation with Hs ensured the best nutritional and functional quality of milk, confirmed by the FA profile, antioxidant content, and by the value of health-related lipid indices (n-6/n-3 FA ratio and hypo-/hypercholesterolemia, atherogenic index (AI), thrombogenic index (TI), and health promotion index (HPI)). The results of our work will be useful for the development of optimal nutritional strategies that improve the FA profile and the antioxidants content in goat milk, with beneficial effects on human health.

Flash'O real-world evidence programme - Attitude and practices toward the use of omega-3 FA by physicians from Middle East Countries.

The Flash'O project was designed to provide insights into the current use of prescription omega-3 and their perceived benefits by physicians in real-world clinical practice, in Russia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and Gulf countries, and to determine the adherence of physicians to dyslipidemia management guidelines. The present study focuses on Flash'O's process and results in Middle East countries. A total of 338 physicians and specialists completed the online questionnaire. Most responding physicians were male (91.7%), general practitioners (42.6%) with more than 5 years of seniority (80.4%) and saw more than 50 patients a week (71.5%). Most surveyed physicians (64.2%) reported using guidelines in their daily practice for the management of their patients with dyslipidemia. They mostly followed national guidelines (68.6%). American or European ones were less commonly used. Responding physicians thought that omega-3 supplementation could be more beneficial in all types of dyslipidemia, except high non- hight density lipoproteins, and for patients suffering from obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, acute coronary syndrome with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and high cardiovascular diseases risk (score ≥ 5% and < 10%), but less beneficial in chronic kidney disease. Respondents recommended omega-3 to their patients mainly after statin treatment in patients with dyslipidemia and for the treatment of dyslipidemia. This survey confirmed that omega-3 fatty acids are at the heart of the cardiovascular medical strategy.

The Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Heart Diseases

Omega-3 (ω-3) is a group of multiple unsaturated fatty acids, commonly found in deep-sea fish, seal oil. In recent years, ω-3 has become a hot topic in the treatment and prevention of cardiac diseases, however, a systematic explanation of the related regulatory mechanisms is lacking. The theme of this paper is the effects of ω-3 on heart diseases, after collected the data from last five years, then made a system analysis. Finally it concluded that ω-3 can raise benign cholesterol in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and reduce body’s oxidized bad cholesterol in low-density lipoprotein (LDL).it also can participate in arachidonic acid metabolism to produce Prostaglandin-I-3 (PGI 3) to regulate vascular elasticity, platelets and thrombus quantity.in addition, it also has an important role in regulating human blood pressure, AS risk and heart rate. All of these indicators are linked to an increased chance of heart diseases, so the conclusion is that ω-3 mainly plays a role in relieving vascular obstruction and heart function.

Quality of Glycine max (soybean) and Helianthus annuus (sunflower) oils stored in different environments and their suitability for consumption

Soybean and sunflower oils contribute to the diet in many countries, serving as a source of protein, lipids and fatty acids, and repair worn-out tissues and are a useful source of energy. Their excessive or inadequate consumption may provide increased risk of developing various diseases. Sunflower seed provides 20-40% of oil and soybeans provide oil with immense advantages due to their high content of essential fatty acids. This work aimed to evaluate the physicochemical quality of soybean and sunflower oils and their effects on health. 5 samples of oils: A, sealed sunflower oil exposed to ambient light; B, sealed sunflower oil without exposure to sunlight; C, sealed soybean oil exposed to ambient light; D, unsealed sunflower oil exposed to ambient light and E, sealed soybean oil without exposure to light were evaluated by determining the acidity index, through titration with NaOH 0. 1N, peroxide index, by titration with Na2S2O3 0.01N, moisture, by dissection at 105ºC, rancidity, by qualitative method and vitamin A by iCheck Chroma. The NM 425:2012 legislation was used to verify the suitability or otherwise of the samples. Moisture ranged from 0.1 to 0.92 w/w, acidity index from 0.17 to 0.34mgKOH, peroxide index from 4 to 15.2 meq.O2/Kg, vitamin A between 13.27 and 29.95mgRe/Kg and positive rancidity. The results showed that the acidity index and vitamin A provided adequacy and the other parameters showed inadequacy for consumption.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Cognition, and Brain Volume in Older Adults.

The elderly population is growing at increased rates and is expected to double in size by 2050 in the United States and worldwide. The consumption of healthy foods and enriched diets have been associated with improved cognition and brain health. The key nutrients common to many healthy foods and diets are the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 FAs), such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). We explored whether omega-3 FA levels are associated with brain volume and cognition. Forty healthy, cognitively normal, Seventh-day Adventist older adults (mean age 76.3 years at MRI scan, 22 females) completed neurocognitive testing, a blood draw, and structural neuroimaging from 2016 to 2018. EPA and an overall omega-3 index were associated with individual measures of delayed recall (RAVLT-DR) and processing speed (Stroop Color) as well as entorhinal cortex thickness. EPA, DHA, and the omega-3 index were significantly correlated with the total white matter volume. The entorhinal cortex, frontal pole, and total white matter were associated with higher scores on delayed memory recall. This exploratory study found that among healthy, cognitively older adults, increased levels of omega-3 FAs are associated with better memory, processing speed, and structural brain measures.

Flaxseed Oil for Omega 3 Fatty Acids Enrichment in Eggs and Performance in Laying Chickens

Background: The beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids on growth, health and immune function for human is well established. Supplementation of various n-3 fatty acids into the diet of laying hens is a nutritional attempt to increase the levels of n-3 PUFA in the eggs. Therefore, the present study was carried out to determine the effect of dietary supplementation of flaxseed oil (SFO) as a source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, on the fatty acid composition of egg, laying performance and egg stability upon storage in laying hens. Methods: Laying hens of 30-week age (n=168) were selected and randomly distributed into two dietary groups consisting of 14 replicates each having 6 birds in each replicate. Iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric two diets were prepared with and without FSO. Daily recording of eggs, feed intake and egg collection was carried out throughout the experiment. The eggs were subjected for fat extraction and estimation of fatty acid composition. Result: The higher (P less than 0.05) feed intake and lower (P less than 0.05) egg production in groups fed FSO supplemented diet compared to those groups fed control diet. Further, improved (P less than 0.05) feed conversion ratio among the groups fed control diet compared to those groups fed FSO supplemented diet. Eggs contained higher (P less than 0.05) á-linolenic acid, eicosenoic acid, n3 fatty acids in groups fed FSO supplemented diets compared control diet. The stability parameters did not differ by supplementing FSO compared to groups fed control diet. Therefore, it is concluded that FSO can be supplemented up to 6% for feeding of laying hens for producing higher omega 3 fatty acids in eggs. Further, supplementation of 6% FSO did not affect the egg quality parameters upon storing for 21 days at 4°C. Background: The beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids on growth, health and immune function for human is well established. Supplementation of various n-3 fatty acids into the diet of laying hens is a nutritional attempt to increase the levels of n-3 PUFA in the eggs. Therefore, the present study was carried out to determine the effect of dietary supplementation of flaxseed oil (SFO) as a source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, on the fatty acid composition of egg, laying performance and egg stability upon storage in laying hens.

Analysis of the Hydromechanical Properties of Compact Sandstone and Engineering Application

The paper proposes a method to simulate the mechanical behavior of compact rock considering hydromechanics by combining physical experiments and numerical analysis. The effectiveness of the constructed method is validated by the comparison between the numerical and physical results of triaxial shear experiments on sandstone in seepage conditions. Based on the validated method, the stability of underground water-sealed oil and gas storage caverns in surrounding compact sandstone during excavation is analyzed. The main findings are as follows: The intrinsic permeability of compact sandstone has a power function relationship with the porosity; the combination of the porous media elastic model and the modified Drucker–Prager plasticity model can preciously represent the mechanical properties of compact sandstone; the proposed method can accurately replicate the hydromechanical response of compact sandstone in seepage conditions; the effects of hydromechanical effects have significant impacts on the stability of surround compact sandstone during the excavation of underground water sealed oil and gas storage caverns, which causes the obvious increase in stress, deformation and plastic deformation zones of the surrounding compact sandstone and remarkable decrease in the stability safety factor.

Chemical Release Accident Caused by the Abnormal Reaction of Potassium Permanganate Mixtures during Optical Film Manufacturing: A Brief Case Review

Small- and large-scale accidents often occur in workplaces handling hazardous chemical substances. These accidents are usually caused by leaks, explosions, fires and complex chemicals; a large proportion of these chemical accidents are caused by leaks. A chemical release accident that injured four people occurred during an optical film-manufacturing process. This report analyzes the causes of this accident and provides effective measures for accident prevention. This accident was caused by an abnormal reaction during the input of raw materials prior to their heating. Tertiary butyl alcohol (t-BuOH), distilled water (DW), and potassium permanganate (KMnO4) were mainly used in this process. We found that this mixture reacted with unknown impurities. After KMnO4 was added to the mixture of t-BuOH and DW, a large amount of heat was suddenly released from the reactor for one minute. In particular, a small amount of methanol (4%), which could have entered the mixture during the cleaning process, and seal oil containing glycerin (13%) were suspected to be the key materials influencing the rapid reaction. Given the significant findings about this accident, the precautionary technical/administrative measures we provide herein may help prevent such accidents in future.

Omega-3 profiles and chemical substances of chicken meat fed diets containing purslane (Portulaca oleraceae) meal rich in omega-3 fats

Purslane (Portulaca oleraceae) is a plant rich in omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids which can be added to the diets of chicken to produce meat high in n-3 fatty acids. This research aimed to analyse the impact of the purslane meal addition into a basal diet on the quality and n-3 fatty acids of broiler meat. A total of 150 broilers were assigned randomly to five treatments with six replications. Each replication consisted of five broilers. The treatments were a basal diet supplemented with purslane meal at levels of 0% (Br-E0), 1.5% (Br-E1), 3% (Br-E2), 4.5% (Br-E3), and 6% (Br-E4). Meat samples were taken on day 42 for quality and n-3 fatty acid analysis. Results showed that the addition of purslane meal to the basal diets did not affect (P&gt;0.05) the protein and moisture content of the meat but significantly reduced (P&lt;0.05) the fat content. Increasing the levels of purslane meal rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in the diets increased the ALA, DHA, total n-3 PUFA, total n-6 PUFA, and total PUFA (P&lt;0.05) in the broiler meat. The DHA level of the meat from chickens fed with 6% purslane meal increased by double compared to those fed with control diet. In conclusion, chickens fed ALA enriched diets up to a level of 6% produced meat higher in n-3 fats without negatively affecting the chemical composition of the meat.

Long-term dietary n3 fatty acid prevents aging-related cardiac diastolic and vascular dysfunction

AimsThe prevalence of left ventricular (LV) diastolic and vascular dysfunction increases with age, eventually leading to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). A preventive strategy is an unmet medical need. We and others reported previously on the beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acid alpha linolenic acid (ALA) on cardiovascular disorders in animal models and translational studies. We now investigate whether long-term dietary ALA could prevent LV diastolic dysfunction and vascular aging in a murine model. Methods and resultsWild-type C57BL/6 J mice were fed a chow or ALA diet for 12 months, starting at 6 months of age. Here, we show that aged (~18 months) mice recapitulate major hallmarks of HFpEF, including LV diastolic dysfunction with preserved ejection fraction, impaired vascular function, cardiac fibrosis, arterial stiffening and inflammation, as well as elevated B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). Long-term ALA supplementation upregulated the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid enzyme Idh2 and the antioxidant enzymes SOD1 and Gpx1. It also has been associated with reduced inflammation and ECM remodeling, accompanied by a significant downregulation of fibrosis biomarkers MMP-2 and TGF-β in both cardiac and vascular tissues obtained from aged mice. Our data exhibited the preventive effects of dietary ALA against LV diastolic dysfunction, impaired vasorelaxation, cardiac fibrosis, inflammation and arterial stiffening in aged mice. ConclusionsWe provide evidence and a simplified mechanistic insight on how long-term ALA supplementation is a successful strategy to prevent the development of age-related diastolic and vascular dysfunction.

The sex impact on the technological and chemical characteristics of meat derived from the Polish native chicken breed

The aim of the study was to evaluate the birds’ sex as well as the caponisation influence on the technological traits of obtained meat, fatty acids profile as well as main chemical compounds distribution. In this study, 40 hens, roosters and green-legged partridge capons each were used (4 replications each). At 24 weeks of age, 2 birds from each replication subgroup were selected and slaughtered. During dissection analysis, pectoral and femoral muscles were sampled. Acidity, colour, tenderness, water holding capacity, drip and cooking loss were determined in the obtained material. The fatty acid profile of the meat was also determined, as well as the distribution of components in the pressed meat samples using FTIR spectroscopy. Statistically significant differences in the colour lightness index (L*) of the breast muscles were recorded, with cockerel meat being the darkest and capon meat the lightest. The greatest natural water loss was recorded in the hens' pectoral muscle; cooking loss was also the greatest in these samples. Roosters showed significantly the lowest content of monounsaturated fatty acids, at the same time the highest proportion of the n3 fatty acids group was found in capons. Irrespective of muscle, meat from roosters showed the highest susceptibility to oxidation (PI index). The variation in the chemical composition of the meat was confirmed by FTIR mapping.

Effects of dietary α-tocopherol acetate and pomegranate peel extract on growth performance and antioxidative potential and lipid oxidation of meat of broiler

The study compared the effects of dietary supplementation of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) alone or in combination with α-tocopherol acetate (TA) on the performance, carcass traits, serum and meat parameters of broilers. The diets included: CONT: a control diet containing 50 mg/kg TA and 4 % flaxseed oil; TA200: the diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg TA to the control diet; PPE100, PPE200 and TA100+PPE100: the diets supplemented with 100 and 200 mg/kg PPE and 100 mg/kg TA+100 mg/kg PPE to the CONT diet. The dietary treatments had no significant effect on growth performance, internal organ weights and carcass yields. The TA200, PPE100, PPE200 and TA100+PPE100 diets significantly reduced the levels of lipid hydroperoxide and total oxidant and significantly increased the antioxidant level of the serum of broilers. The TA200, PPE100, PPE200 and TA100+PPE100 diets significantly increased the contents of total polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-6 FAs and omega-3 FAs, total phenolic contents, DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing power, and significantly decreased the concentrations of total saturated fatty acids, total monounsaturated fatty acids, the omega-6:omega-3 ratio and the MDA value of the thigh meat and breast meat compared to the CONT diet. In conclusion, the antioxidant potential and lipid oxidation stability of broiler meat may be improved by supplementing the diet with TA or PPE alone or in combination. Moreover, the antioxidant potential of TA and PPE in combination in the diet was more strong in refrigerated broiler meat enriched with omega-3 PUFAs than that of TA alone.