Biochemical effects of a diet containing foods enriched with n-3 fatty acids

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Hi All,

 

In this paper a very detailed record of membrane fatty acid levels were recorded

at 0, 2 & 4 weeks into the study. Note

the excellent results obtained after just 4 weeks.

http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/72/1/42/T4

 

Full text:

http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/72/1/42

 

The major aim of this dietary study was to determine the feasibility of using

novel foods enriched in n-3 fatty acids

(LNA, EPA, and DHA) to increase tissue n-3 fatty acids to concentrations known

to be associated with a low production of

proinflammatory cytokines and eicosanoids.

 

Generally, fish oil and, to a lesser extent, fish were used as the source of n-3

fatty acids in clinical and biochemical

studies in which reduced eicosanoid and cytokine production were observed (1,

15–17).

 

To explore strategies designed to increase n-3 fatty acid intakes that would be

suited more realistically to long-term

daily use throughout a community, healthy volunteers were provided with a

variety of foods naturally rich in or enriched

in LNA, EPA, and DHA.

 

This 4-wk study showed a 3-fold increase in EPA concentrations and 1.5–2.0-fold

increases in DHA concentrations in the

tissue phospholipids that were examined. LNA, the precursor to EPA, rose by

3–4-fold during this period.

 

These tissue n-3 PUFA concentrations were attained by the 2-wk midpoint

analysis, thereby indicating the relatively

short time required for n-3 PUFA concentrations to rise.

 

The increases were achieved with an average LNA intake of 9.0 g/d, an average

EPA intake of 0.80 g/d, and an average DHA

intake of 1.03 g/d over the 4-wk period.

 

The LNA intake achieved was 9-fold higher than the usual intake in the community

(6).

 

The LA intake averaged 9.0 g/d over the 4-wk period, which is 50% lower than the

intakes of the general community (6).

 

A reduction in the intake of dietary LA is important because high LA intakes

have been shown to reduce tissue

concentrations of EPA and DHA resulting from dietary sources (19).

 

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This is a very interesting local (Adelaide, Australia) study which does NOT

focus on heavy fish or fish oil usage.

 

Note the beneficial effect on eicosanoid thromboxane B2 (TXB2), eicosanoid

prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), cytokine interleukin

1ß (IL-1ß) and cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF-) synthesis:

http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/72/1/42/T7

 

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Good Health & Long Life,

Greg Watson,

gowatson