RBC Fatty Acid Research Articles

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation increases levels in red blood cells and reduces the prevalence and severity of squamous gastric ulcers in exercised Thoroughbreds.

To assess the relationship between plasma and RBC fatty acid composition and incidence and severity of squamous gastric ulcers when altered by short-chain (SC) or long-chain (LC) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation. 13 fit Thoroughbred horses in training. Horses were evaluated by gastroscopy for squamous ulcer score, gastric pH, and blood fatty acid composition prior to supplementation (UNSUPP) and after 3 months of supplementation with a corn-flax oil blend of alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid (SC-PUFA) or a gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)-fish oil blend of GLA, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; LC-PUFA) in a crossover design. Prior to gastroscopy and blood collection, horses performed a 4,600-m standardized exercise test on the racetrack as a stressor. Three months of supplementation with LC-PUFAs increased RBC levels of GLA, dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), arachidonic acid (AA), EPA, and DHA, and reduced severe ulcer prevalence (38% UNSUPP vs 8% LC-PUFA with a severe ulcer score of grade 3 to 4). Short-chain PUFA supplementation did not effectively elevate RBC GLA, DGLA, AA, EPA, or DHA and severe ulcer incidence was not different (38% UNSUPP vs 23% SC-PUFA with a severe ulcer score of grade 3 to 4). Lower levels of RBC GLA, DGLA, AA, and EPA correlated with severe squamous gastric ulceration (grade 3 to 4). Equine gastric ulcer syndrome is prevalent in high-performance horses and is a concern to owners and trainers. Long-chain PUFA supplementation increased levels of GLA, DGLA, AA, EPA, and DHA, unlike SC-PUFA supplementation, and was associated positively with prevention or resolution of severe squamous gastric ulceration. Further studies are needed to evaluate different management styles and exercise intensities.

Erythrocyte, Whole Blood, Plasma, and Blubber Fatty Acid Profiles in Oceanaria-Based versus Wild Alaskan Belugas (Delphinapterus leucas)

This investigation compared the fatty acid (FA) levels found in erythrocyte (RBC) membranes, plasma, whole blood (WB), and blubber from wild Alaskan (Bristol Bay) belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) (BBB, n = 9) with oceanaria-based belugas (OBB, n = 14) fed a controlled diet consisting of primarily herring (Clupea harengus) and capelin (Mallotus villosus). FA patterns in RBCs, WB, and plasma varied considerably between BBB and OBB animals. Focusing on RBC FA levels of known dietary origin, the OBBs had markedly higher levels of 20:1n9,11 and 22:1n9,11. RBC levels of these fatty acids were 1% and 0.2% in the BBBs, but 8.2% and 4.5%, respectively, in the OBBs (p < 0.05 both). These long-chain mono-unsaturated FAs (LC-MUFAs) are rich in herring and capelin but not in the prey species (i.e., salmonids, smelt, cod, and shrimp) generally available to BBBs. As for the marine omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids [PUFAs; 20:5n3 (eicosapentaenoic acid) and 22:6n3 (docosahexaenoic acid)], the former was higher in the OBBs vs. BBBs (16% vs. 11%, p < 0.05), but the latter was low and similar in both (3.8% vs. 4%). Similar patterns were seen in the other sample types, except that DHA% was higher in BBB than OBB animals in both plasma (12.6% vs. 8.7%) and in blubber (12% vs. 4.9%) (p < 0.05). A physiologically important omega-6 PUFA, 20:4n6 (arachidonic acid) was approximately 2× higher in BBB than OBB within RBC (22% vs. 12%), WB (16% vs. 7%), plasma (11.5% vs. 4.6%) and blubber (4.6% vs. 2.4%), respectively. While blubber FAs have been evaluated historically and relatively easy to procure with biopsy darts in the field, this study proposes that blood-based FAs collected during health assessments or subsistence hunts, especially RBC or WB FAs, may be more convenient to handle using dried blood spot cards (DBS) with limited cold storage and simplifies shipping requirements, and may more accurately reflect tissue FA status.

Abstract 13127: Concordance in Nutrient Biomarker and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Between Child-Parent Dyads Participating in a Family-Based Childhood Weight Management Intervention

Introduction: Children are at elevated risk for developing obesity/cardiometabolic abnormalities when their parents have these conditions. Little is known about diet quality and subsequent impact on cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) in child-parent dyads. Objective: To determine the concordance between nutrient biomarkers and CMRF changes in children (age 7-12 years; BMIz >85%tile) and their parents, who participated in a 1-year randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effects of adding an enhanced program to standard care. Methods: Pre-post intervention changes in nutrient biomarkers (plasma carotenoids; RBC fatty acid profiles) and CMRFs (BMI, blood pressure, and plasma glucose, insulin, lipid profile, inflammatory markers and adipokine concentrations) were evaluated in 226 child-parent dyads. Based on percent change in children’s BMIz score, they were grouped into high ( > -8%), medium (0 to -8%) and low ( > 0%) responders. Spearman’s correlation coefficients were calculated to determine association between 1-year change in nutrient biomarkers and CMRFs within child-parent dyad groups. Results: There were positive associations in beta-carotene, and RBC SFA, MUFA, PUFA n-6, PUFA n-3 and trans fatty acid concentrations in child-parent dyads, regardless of group ( r= 0.25 to 0.83, p<0.05). Significant positive child-parent associations were observed for systemic (TNFa, IL-1, IL-6) and vascular (E- and P-selectin, thrombomodulin) inflammatory markers (r= 0.32 to 0.83, p<0.05), and adiponectin (r=0.47, p=0.001), but not other CMRFs. In the high responder group, there was a positive association between improvements in child’s BMIz scores and parental BMI (r=0.32, p=0.01). This dyad also had the most favorable improvements in nutrient biomarkers (increases in carotenoids, and decreases in SFA and trans fatty acids) and CMRFs (decreases in blood pressure, and LDL-C, TG and hsCRP concentrations). Conclusions: Our finding of concordance in child-parent dyad changes in nutrient biomarkers and selected CMRFs after a 1-year intervention, especially in the high responder group, suggests parallel dietary changes and highlights the importance of parental engagement in the effectiveness of childhood obesity interventions.

Using an erythrocyte fatty acid fingerprint to predict risk of all-cause mortality: the Framingham Offspring Cohort

ABSTRACTBackgroundRBC long-chain omega-3 (n–3) fatty acid (FA) percentages (of total fatty acids) are associated with lower risk for total mortality, but it is unknown if a suite of FAs could improve risk prediction.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to compare a combination of RBC FA levels with standard risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in predicting risk of all-cause mortality.MethodsFramingham Offspring Cohort participants without prevalent CVD having RBC FA measurements and relevant baseline clinical covariates (n = 2240) were evaluated during 11 y of follow-up. A forward, stepwise approach was used to systematically evaluate the association of 8 standard risk factors (age, sex, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, hypertension treatment, systolic blood pressure, smoking status, and prevalent diabetes) and 28 FA metrics with all-cause mortality. A 10-fold cross-validation process was used to build and validate models adjusted for age and sex.ResultsFour of 28 FA metrics [14:0, 16:1n–7, 22:0, and omega-3 index (O3I; 20:5n–3 + 22:6n–3)] appeared in ≥5 of the discovery models as significant predictors of all-cause mortality. In age- and sex-adjusted models, a model with 4 FA metrics was at least as good at predicting all-cause mortality as a model including the remaining 6 standard risk factors (C-statistic: 0.778; 95% CI: 0.759, 0.797; compared with C-statistic: 0.777; 95% CI: 0.753, 0.802). A model with 4 FA metrics plus smoking and diabetes (FA + Sm + D) had a higher C-statistic (0.790; 95% CI: 0.770, 0.811) compared with the FA (P < 0.01) or Sm + D models alone (C-statistic: 0.766; 95% CI: 0.739, 0.794; P < 0.001). A variety of other highly correlated FAs could be substituted for 14:0, 16:1n–7, 22:0, or O3I with similar predicted outcomes.ConclusionsIn this community-based population in their mid-60s, RBC FA patterns were as predictive of risk for death during the next 11 y as standard risk factors. Replication is needed in other cohorts to validate this FA fingerprint as a predictor of all-cause mortality.

1185-P: Erythrocyte Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic Acid Are Reliable Biomarkers of Dietary Intake in Women of African Ancestry: The Federal Women's Study

To formulate precision nutrition prescriptions, it is essential to understand the relationship between dietary assessment, ethnicity and cardiometabolic disease. Erythrocyte (RBC) fatty acid (FA) profiles reflect long-term dietary fat intake but have not been rigorously compared with short-term FA intake in women of African ancestry who have paradoxically low triglycerides with high fat intake. We compared the type of dietary fat consumed (proportion of total fat) using food records with fasting RBC FA (mol%) determined by gas chromatography in 130 female, healthy, federal employees without diabetes (12% African Immigrants (AI), 47% African Americans (AA), 41% White Americans (WA)); mean age 43+10 y and BMI 30 + 6 kg/m2). Diet quality and home prepared meals were similar across ethnicities. AI reported the lowest energy intake. Regardless of absolute energy intake, macronutrient distributions were similar. Fat intake differed by ethnicity; WA had the highest saturated FA (SFA) and lowest eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and omega-3 index (EPA + DHA), while AI and AA had similar SFA, EPA and DHA intake. AI women had the highest RBC DHA and omega-3 index. Associations between FA intake and RBC profiles were significant for DHA (r=0.3, p&amp;lt;0.01), EPA (r=0.2, p&amp;lt;0.05) and the omega-3 index (r=0.2, p&amp;lt;0.01). Overall, RBC EPA and DHA were reliable biomarkers of dietary intake in women of African ancestry, consistent with data in predominantly white populations. These findings support the combined use of food records and RBC profiles for comprehensive dietary assessments. As RBC SFA and monounsaturated FA reflect both endogenous and exogenous sources, the discrepancies between intake and RBC profiles could reflect ethnic variations in nutrient metabolism. To enable precision nutrition prescriptions, exploration of population-specific biomarkers in concert with dietary assessment is needed. Disclosure A. B. Courville: None. S. T. Chung: None. S. Yang: None. L. Mabundo: None. C. K. Cravalho: None. S. Matta: None. A. Villalobos-perez: None. J. M. Dawson: None. A. H. Lichtenstein: None. A. E. Sumner: None. Funding National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Effect of a Family-Based Intervention on Nutrient Biomarkers, Desaturase Enzyme Activities, and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Children with Overweight and Obesity.

ABSTRACTBackgroundDeveloping dietary strategies to prevent excess weight gain during childhood is critical to stem the current obesity epidemic and associated adverse cardiometabolic consequences.ObjectivesWe aimed to assess how participation in a family-based weight-management intervention affected nutrient biomarkers and cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) in children (7–12 y old; n = 321) with baseline BMI z score (BMIz) ≥85th percentile.MethodsThis was a secondary analysis from a randomized-controlled, parallel-arm clinical trial. Families of children, recruited from a largely Hispanic population, were assigned to Standard Care (SC; American Academy of Pediatrics overweight/obesity recommendations), or SC + Enhanced Program (SC + EP; 8 skill-building cores, monthly support sessions, targeted diet/physical activity strategies). Nutrient biomarkers (plasma carotenoids, fat-soluble vitamins, RBC fatty acid profiles, desaturase indexes) and CMRFs were measured in archived blood samples collected at baseline and the end of the 1-y intervention.ResultsChildren in both groups had significantly lower trans fatty acid and higher pentadecylic acid (15:0), PUFA n–3, and β-carotene concentrations, indicative of decreased hydrogenated fat and increased dairy, vegetable oil, fish, and fruit/vegetable intake, respectively. Similar changes were seen in de novo lipogenesis and desaturase indexes, as well as CMRFs (BMIz, lipid profile, inflammation, adipokines, liver enzymes) in both groups. Using multiple logistic regression, increase in carotenoids and decrease in endogenously synthesized SFA, MUFA, PUFA n–6, and desaturase indexes were associated with improvements in BMIz, blood pressure, lipid profile, glucose metabolism, inflammatory biomarkers, adipokines, and liver enzymes. Trans fatty acids were associated with improvements in BMIz, glucose metabolism, and leptin, with less favorable effects on inflammatory markers and adiponectin.ConclusionsProviding targeted family-based behavioral counseling, as part of SC, can help overweight/obese children adopt healthier eating patterns that are associated with modest improvements in BMIz and several CMRFs. Limited additional benefit was observed with SC + EP. These results provide critical data to design subsequent interventions to increase the impact of family-based obesity prevention programs.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00851201.

Low Hepatic Fat and Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase Activity Contribute to Paradoxically Normal Triglyceride-Rich Lipoproteins in Insulin Resistant Black Women—The Federal Women Study

In black women, triglycerides (TG) are paradoxically normal in the presence of insulin resistance (IR). This TG paradox while partially explained by low visceral fat, might be further clarified by delineating the association of triglyceride rich lipoprotein (TRLP) subclasses with hepatic fat, IR and stearoyl-CoA enzyme activity (SCD-116, a marker of de novo lipogenesis). We hypothesized that fasting TRLP, hepatic fat and SCD-116 activity would be lower in black vs. white women. In 122 federally employed women without diabetes, we compared fasting TRLP number and size (measured with NMR) in 73 black (58 African American and 15 African immigrant) and 49 white; age 44±10 (mean±SD), range 24- 62y; BMI 30.0±5.6, range 20.3-45.2 kg/m2. Hepatic and visceral fat were measured by proton MRS. RBC fatty acid profiles were measured by gas chromatography (mol %) and used to estimate SCD-116 (16:1n-7/to 16:0). Total, large, medium and small TRLPs, visceral fat, SCD-116 were similar in blacks and lower than in whites before and after adjustment for age and body fat (P&amp;lt;0.001). Blacks had lower SI (2.28 (1.52) vs. 2.74 (2.81), median(IQR) P=0.05, and hepatic fat (0.7 (1.1) vs. 1.2 (2.1), P=0.03. SCD-116 correlated with hepatic fat (r=0.34, P&amp;lt;0.01). Habitual physical activity, dietary fatty acid profiles were similar (P&amp;gt;0.1). In multivariate linear models, age, SCD-116, body fat, visceral fat and SI, but not race or liver fat, were independently associated with total TRLP (adjR2=0.44, P&amp;lt;0.01). Medium and large TRLP number was independently predicted by visceral fat and SCD-116 activity (adjR2=0.37, P&amp;lt;0.01); race was the only predictor for small TRLPs (adjR2=0.14, P&amp;lt;0.01). Therefore, lower hepatic fat and SCD-116 maybe important contributors to the paradoxically normal fasting TRLP in insulin resistant black women. Disclosure S.T. Chung: None. M. Galvan-De La Cruz: None. S. Bernstein: None. A. Onuzuruike: None. N.R. Matthan: None. R. Ouwerkerk: None. L. Mabundo: None. M.L. Sampson: None. A.B. Courville: None. A.M. Gharib: None. A.H. Lichtenstein: None. A. Remaley: None. A.E. Sumner: None.

Comparison of Dietary Fat Intake Using Food Records vs. RBC Fatty Acid Biomarkers in a Multiethnic Population—The Federal Women Study

Erythrocyte membrane fatty acids (RBC FA) may be a useful biomarker of dietary fat type to assess its impact on health and disease. Our objective was to examine the association of dietary fat type and RBC FA composition in 2 groups of women of African descent (blacks) compared to whites. Dietary fat type was assessed with food records (5±2 days [mean±SD]) and RBC FA composition (mol%) by gas chromatography in 1federally employed women (53% African American, 14% African immigrants, 33% white; age 44±9y, range 24-62y, BMI 30.5±5.9 kg/m2, range 20.3-45.2 kg/m2). Dietary fat type (SFA, MUFA, n-3 PUFA, n-6 PUFA, and trans FA) was calculated as a proportion of total dietary fat. Blacks reported consuming higher SFA and n-6 PUFA (all P&amp;lt;0.05). Dietary report of MUFA, trans FA or n-3 PUFA intake were similar by race (all P≥0.20). In contrast, when RBC FA composition was measured, blacks had higher MUFA and n-3PUFA (both P&amp;lt;0.05). RBC composition of SFA, n-6 PUFA and trans FA were similar by race (all P&amp;gt;0.05). Spearman correlations were calculated to determine the relationship between dietary FA and RBC FA. There was a positive correlation between dietary FA and RBC n-6 PUFA (r=0.3, P&amp;lt;0.02). In summary, RBC FA was a good marker of n-6 PUFA intake, however, food records appeared to provide a more informative assessment of overall dietary fat type exposure. Disclosure A.B. Courville: None. S. Bernstein: None. M. Galvan-De La Cruz: None. A. Onuzuruike: None. N.R. Matthan: None. A.H. Lichtenstein: None. A.E. Sumner: None. S.T. Chung: None.

Effect of eicosapentaenoic acid on RBC filterability and fatty acid composition

Effect of eicosapentaenoic acid on RBC filterability and fatty acid composition

A Rapid and Simple Method for Fatty Acid Profiling and Determination of ω-3 Index in Red Blood Cells

Fatty acid profiling has become a very useful and effective tool in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of several diseases with cardiovascular disease being particularly important. In order to arrive at accurate conclusions that would help promote the health of individuals plagued by such diseases, not only excellent laboratory methods are required, but also very important monitoring responses to treatment. Improvements in methods of fatty acid profiling in biological systems regarding safety of extraction, precision and time for analysis are valuable. The ω-3 index (a measure of the amount of eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, DHA, in Red Blood Cell membranes expressed as the percent of total fatty acids) is of growing interest because it has been reported to provide prognostic information regarding the risk for heart diseases. Sodium methoxide has been widely used for the determination of ω -3 fatty acids in food samples. This study demonstrates that sodium methoxide can be used effectively in RBC fatty acid profiling and determination of the ω-3 index. Briefly, the fatty acid profiles and ω-3 index of red blood cell samples were analyzed and results compared using three different methods: a two- step extraction and methylation method described by Hara and Radin, a single step extraction and methylation method described by Harriset al.and the sodium methoxide method.Our results revealed that there were no statistically significant differences (p&lt;0.05) between the three methods for the representative fatty acids, [16:0 (p = 0.10), 18:0 (p=0.40), 18:1(ω9) (p = 0.29), 18:2(ω6) (p = 0.95), 18:3(ω3) (p = 0.50), 20:5(ω3) (p=0.56), 22:6(ω3) (p = 0.06)] and ω-3 index (p = 0.11) except for 20:4(ω6), (P = 0.02). In conclusion, we show that sodium methoxide can be used effectively in a one-step extraction and methylation procedure for high throughput analysis of fatty acids in red blood cell membranes. It is rapid (10 minute extraction and methylation), simple, safer than and as accurate as other commonly reported methods.

Intake of trans fatty acid isomers found in ruminant fat versus industrial sources differentially impact concentrations of fatty acids in erythrocytes (1025.17)

Evidence suggests concentration of trans fatty acids (TFA) in erythrocyte (RBC) membranes is strongly predictive of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. Some data suggest a direct association with industrially‐produced TFA (iTFA) and CHD risk, and an inverse or no association with naturally‐occurring TFA in ruminant fat (rTFA). Differential incorporation of TFA isomers in RBC membranes from iTFA and rTFA may account for differences in CHD risk reported between the two sources; however, controlled dietary interventions comparing iTFA and rTFA have not measured RBC TFA isomers. In a double‐blind randomized‐controlled crossover feeding trial healthy adults (N=106; 47M, 59F) were fed 4 diets for 24 days each: 0.1% en mixed isomers TFA (control), 3.0% en highly‐purified vaccenic acid (VA), 3.0% en mixed isomers iTFA, and 1.0% en c9,t11‐CLA. Total fat (34% en) and other macronutrients were matched across diets. RBC VA was highest following the VA diet (P &lt; 0.05), while elaidic acid was highest following the iTFA diet (P &lt; 0.05). RBC c9,t11‐CLA was highest after the CLA diet (P &lt; 0.05), followed by the VA diet (P &lt; 0.05), indicating some conversion of VA to c9,t11‐CLA resulting from the dietary VA. In conclusion, highly‐purified dietary VA and c9,t11‐CLA differentially impact RBC fatty acid profiles compared to iTFA. Differences in RBC fatty acids impact membrane fluidity which may explain differences of rTFA and iTFA on CHD risk.Grant Funding Source: Supported by: USDA, Nestle, National Dairy Council, Dairy Australia

Impact of DHA status on serum markers of obesity and inflammation in pregnant women (1001.4)

Different dietary fatty acids impact disease prevention and susceptibility. Among these, the N‐3 (omega‐3) long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential nutrients and are proposed to be health promoting while saturated fatty acids are often associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. Omega‐3 fatty acids are critical for fetal and newborn neurodevelopment and must be acquired from the mother by placental transfer. The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of omega‐3 fatty acid status in pregnant women on biomarkers of obesity and inflammation. RBC fatty acid composition and a complete dietary assessment was employed to determine DHA status and intake. Total fatty acid analysis was also performed on blinded maternal plasma samples. The levels of specific fatty acid species were then compared with the levels of the targeted biomarkers of obesity and inflammation. We found significant correlations between: palmitate and leptin levels; palmitate and insulin levels; and DHA and lipocalin 2 levels. This research is of value to understand the impact of DHA status in mid‐pregnancy on adipogenic biomarkers.Grant Funding Source: Supported by: Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, USDA Hatch and NIFA

Higher n3-fatty acid status is associated with lower risk of iron depletion among food insecure Canadian Inuit women.

BackgroundHigh rates of iron deficiency and anemia are common among Inuit and Arctic women despite a traditional diet based on animal source foods. However, representative data on iron status and relevant determinants for this population are lacking. The objectives were to determine the prevalence of anemia and depletion of iron stores, then to identify correlates of iron status in non-pregnant Canadian Inuit women.MethodsIn a cross-sectional survey of 1550 women in the International Polar Year Inuit Health Survey, 2007-2008, hemoglobin, serum ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (on a subset), C-reactive protein (CRP), RBC fatty acid composition, and H pylori serology were analyzed on fasting venous blood. Sociodemographic, food security status, anthropometric, dietary, and health data were collected. Correlates of iron status were assessed with multivariate linear and logistic models.ResultsAnemia was observed in 21.7% and iron deficient erythropoiesis in 3.3% of women. For women with CRP ≤ 10 mg/L (n = 1260) 29.4% had depleted iron stores. Inadequate iron intakes were observed in 16% of premenopausal and <1% of postmenopausal women. Among food insecure women, higher long-chain (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) status, which reflects a more traditional food pattern, was associated with reduced risk of iron depletion.ConclusionsIron depletion and anemia are a concern for Inuit women despite adequate total dietary iron intake primarily from heme sources. The high prevalence of H. pylori exposure, together with dietary iron adequacy, suggests an inflammation-driven iron deficiency and mild anemia. The anti-inflammatory properties of LC-PUFA may be important for iron status in this population.

Changes in Erythrocyte Membrane Trans and Marine Fatty Acids between 1999 and 2006 in Older Americans1–3

Over the last several years, national programs to lower the content of industrially produced (IP) C18:1 and C18:2 trans fatty acids in foods have been implemented, but whether this has resulted in lower blood trans fatty acid levels is unknown. Likewise, an increased perception of the health benefits of fish oils rich in EPA and DHA may have resulted in an increase in consumption and blood levels of these fatty acids. To explore these issues, we analyzed the changes in RBC fatty acid composition between the 7th (1998–2001) and 8th (2005–2007) examination cycles in a random sample of the Framingham Offspring cohort. This was a retrospective cohort study of 291 participants from whom blood was drawn at both examinations and for whom complete covariate data were available. Overall, the proportion of trans fatty acids in RBC changed by -23% (95% CI: -26 to -21%). RBC EPA+DHA proportions increased by 41% (95% CI: 31 to 52%) in 38 individuals who were taking fish oil supplements at examination 8, but in 253 participants not taking fish oil, the proportion of RBC EPA+DHA did not change. In conclusion, in a random subsample of Framingham Offspring participants with serial observations over 6.7 y, the proportion of trans fatty acids in RBC decreased. Those of EPA+DHA increased in people taking fish oil supplements. These changes could potentially translate into a lower risk for cardiovascular disease.

P02.82. Correction of the Omega-3 Index in women with metabolic syndrome by adding omega-3 supplements to a Mediterranean-style diet

Methods One trial and one case series are reported here. The trial was a 12-week multicenter study (N=56) testing the effects of MLG diet on the O3I, and the case series was conducted in the offices of two physicians and included 21 women who were given, in addition to a MLG diet recommendation, one of two omega-3 supplements for approximately 12 weeks. One supplement (N=12) provided 1980 mg EPA+DHA per day (High DHA, Metagenics Inc.), and the other supplement (N=9) provided 2880 mg EPA+DHA daily (EPA-DHA 720, Metagenics Inc.). RBC fatty acid profiles were determined by gas chromatography and CVD risk factors by standard laboratory methods.

Docosahexaenoic acid status at 9 months is inversely associated with communicative skills in 3-year-old girls.

The objective of the present observational study was to investigate if the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) status assessed in infant erythrocytes (RBC) at 9 months was associated with the age when the infants reach developmental milestones and their psychomotor function at 3 years of age. Three hundred eleven healthy Danish children were followed from 9 months to 3 years of age (the SKOT cohort). RBC fatty acid composition was analysed by gas chromatography in 272 of the children. Milestone age was collected by questionnaires at 9 and 18 months and psychomotor development at 3 years of age was assessed by the parents using third edition of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3). RBC DHA levels ranged from 2.2% to 12.6% of the RBC fatty acids. The age of reaching milestones correlated with psychomotor development, particularly with gross motor function at 3 years. An association between milestones and later personal and social skills was also observed, but only for girls. In girls, RBC-DHA was found to be inversely correlated with communication at 3 years of age (odds ratio = 0.69, 95% confidence interval: 0.56-0.86, P = 0.001), but no other associations with psychomotor development or milestones were found. The results from study indicate that DHA status at 9 months may not have a pronounced beneficial effect on psychomotor development in early childhood and that communicative skills at 3 years of age may even be inversely associated with early RBC-DHA levels in girls.

Traditional Food Intake Is Correlated with Iron Stores in Canadian Inuit Men ,

AbstractAccelerated loss of traditional lifestyles may place Inuit at risk of iron depletion given that anemia has been observed among Arctic men. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of anemia, storage iron depletion, and iron overload and to identify correlates of iron status in Canadian Inuit men. In a cross-sectional survey of 994 men in the International Polar Year Inuit Health Survey, 2007–2008, hemoglobin, serum ferritin (SF), soluble transferrin receptor (on a subset), CRP, RBC fatty acid composition, and Helicobacter pylori serology were measured in venous blood drawn from fasting men. Anthropometric, dietary, sociodemographic, and health data were collected. Dietary and nondietary correlates of iron status were assessed with multiple linear and logistic models. For men with CRP #10 mg/L (n = 804),6.5% had depleted, 19.8% had low, and 10.3% had elevated iron stores. Anemia was moderately prevalent (16.1%), but iron deficiency anemia was less common (2.4%). There was a low probability of dietary iron inadequacy (2.4% ,Estimated Average Requirement) and excess iron intakes (10.7% > Tolerable Upper Intake Level). Food-insecure men and those without a household hunter had a higher risk of low or depleted iron stores. Adiposity, traditional food intake, long-chain RBC PUFA status, and inflammation were positively associated with SF and food insecurity, smoking, and H. pylori seropositivity were negatively associated with SF. Despite a moderate prevalence of anemia, iron stores are largely adequate in this population, although lower than expected based on iron intake. The regulation of iron metabolism in this population and the high prevalence of anemia in older men warrants further investigation.

An α-Linolenic Acid-Rich Formula Reduces Oxidative Stress and Inflammation by Regulating NF-κB in Rats with TNBS-Induced Colitis ,

We have previously shown that α-linolenic acid (ALA), a (n-3) PUFA exerts in vitro antiinflammatory effects in the intestine. In this study, we aimed to evaluate its effect on inflammatory and oxidative stress in a colitis model. Colitis was induced in 2 groups at d 0 by intrarectal injection of 2-4-6-trinitrobenzen sulfonic acid (TNBS), whereas the control group received the vehicle. Rats we fed 450 mg⋅kg−1⋅d−1 of ALA (TNBS+ALA) while the other colitic group (TNBS) and the control group were fed an isocaloric corn oil formula for 14 d (from d −7 to d 7). RBC fatty acid composition was assessed. Oxidative stress was studied by measuring urinary 8-isoprostanes (8-IP) and colon glutathione (GSH) concentration and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. Colitis was assessed histologically, by production of proinflammatory mediators, including cytokines, leukotrienes B4 (LTB4), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and by nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation. The ALA-rich diet significantly increased the RBC levels of ALA, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosapentaenoic acid (n-3) compared with the TNBS group (P < 0.01 for all). The beneficial effect of ALA supplementation on oxidative stress was reflected by lower urinary 8-IP levels (P < 0.05), a normalized colon GSH concentration (P < 0.01), and reduced colon iNOS expression (P < 0.05) compared with the TNBS group. ALA also protected against colon inflammation as assessed by lower tumor necrosis factor-α secretion and mRNA level (P < 0.05), reduced NF-κB activation (P = 0.01), and lower colon lipid mediator concentrations such as LTB4 and COX-2 (P < 0.05) compared with the TNBS group. These findings show that an ALA-rich formula is beneficial to TNBS-induced colitic rats via inhibition of oxidative and inflammatory stress.

RBC and WBC fatty acid composition following consumption of an omega 3 supplement: Lessons for future clinical trials

BackgroundResults from increasing numbers of in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that omega 3 fatty acids incorporated in cell culture media or in the diet of the animals can suppress the growth of cancers. When human clinical trials are initiated to determine the ability of omega 3 fatty acids to alter growth or response to chemotherapeutic interventions of cancers, it will be essential to determine the omega 3 intake of individuals in the trial to determine compliance with consumption of the supplement and to correlate with endpoints of efficacy. We wondered if the fatty acid composition of RBCs might accurately indicate incorporation of omega 3 fatty acids in the WBCs. In this report we determine and compare the changes in fatty acid compositions of red blood cells and white blood cells in response to consumption of three doses of an omega 3 fatty acid supplement.ResultsWe found that the fraction of omega 3 fatty acids in both red blood cells and white blood cells increased following consumption of the supplement. There was a linear, dose responsive increase in the fraction of omega 3 fatty acids in red blood cells but the increase in omega 3 in white blood cells was not linear. The magnitude of increase in omega 3 fatty acids was different between the two cell types.ConclusionsFatty acid analysis of red blood cells is a good measure of compliance with supplement consumption. However, fatty acid analysis of white blood cells is needed to correlate changes in fatty acid composition of white blood cells with other biochemical changes in the white blood cells.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT00899353.

Hepatic Fatty Acid Composition Differs between Chronic Hepatitis C Patients with and without Steatosis

Hepatic fatty acid (FA) composition may influence steatosis development in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). In a cross-sectional study, we compared the hepatic FA profile in hepatitis C patients with (n = 9) and without (n = 33) steatosis (≥5% of hepatocytes involved). FA composition of hepatic and RBC total lipids was measured by gas chromatography. Lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in liver and plasma, blood biochemistry, and nutritional status were also assessed. Patients with steatosis had more fibrosis, higher necroinflammatory activity of their hepatitis C infection, were more often infected with genotype 3, and had lower serum cholesterol. Monounsaturated FA in the liver were higher and trans FA were lower in patients with steatosis. Lower stearic acid and higher oleic acid in hepatic total lipids suggested higher Δ9-desaturase activity. α-Linolenic acid in the liver was higher and the ratios of long-chain PUFA:essential FA precursors were lower for (n-3) and (n-6) PUFA. Plasma vitamin C was lower in steatosis, but RBC FA composition and other parameters did not differ. We conclude that hepatic FA composition is altered in patients with hepatitis C and steatosis, probably due to modulation of enzymatic elongation and desaturation. Oxidative stress or nutritional status does not seem to play a predominant role for development of steatosis in CHC.