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Aim: To evaluate the validity and usefulness of a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) which was designed to evaluate individual fat consumption for a Dutch population relative to 7-day estimated records (7d ER). The FFQ has been validated previously and was adapted to the Belgian situation. Methods: Longitudinal study in 26 healthy pregnant women; FFQ and 7d ER were obtained during the 1st and 3rd trimesters. Results: FFQ was validated with 7d ER. Fat and fatty acid intake estimated by the FFQ did not differ significantly (p < 0.01) from data obtained by the 7d ER except for 18:2n–6. Pearson correlation coefficient between the 2 methods ranged from 0.62 to 0.68. On average, 47% of the women were classified in the same quartile with the 2 methods and less than 2% in the opposite quartile. Total fat intake, calculated from FFQ, was on average 87.9 (SD 18.1) g/day. The mean intake of linoleic acid was 13.3 (SD 5.4) g/day and of α-linolenic acid was 1.4 (SD 0.5) g/day. The dietary intake of the saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids was respectively 34.7 (SD 10.0) g/day, 29.6 (SD 8.1) g/day and 15.7 (SD 5.9) g/day. Conclusion: The FFQ gives similar results for fat intake as the 7d ER and is thus considered an appropriate method for classifying individuals to the right part of the distribution of dietary fat intake.

In 24 healthy pregnant women, parameters related to the oxidative stability of low density lipoproteins (LDL) were determined at three times during pregnancy and shortly after delivery. The fatty acid composition of plasma phospholipids (PL) and the plasma concentrations of vitamin E, vitamin A, and beta-carotene were assessed in the same samples. Total triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol concentrations were also determined. The length of the lag phase of isolated LDL challenged with Cu2+ ions significantly increased with the progression of pregnancy. The oxidation rate and the amount of conjugated dienes formed increased and reached a maximum at 29-37 wk of pregnancy. Total TG, cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol reached a maximum in the third trimester of pregnancy. beta-Carotene remained stable, vitamin A decreased, and vitamin E significantly increased throughout pregnancy. Vitamin E plasma concentration correlated positively with the length of the lag phase. The increased levels of vitamin E could contribute to the higher resistance of LDL toward oxidation with progressing gestation, measured by the prolonged lag phase. Furthermore, vitamin E plasma levels correlated positively with TG concentration but not with LDL-cholesterol. The level of polyunsaturated fatty acids in PL decreased with the progression of pregnancy. No correlation was found between the fatty acid composition of plasma PL, nor with the cholesterol concentration, and the parameters studied related to the oxidative stability of LDL. The major finding of this study is the increased oxidative resistance of LDL with progressing gestation.

Background: Bile excretion is obstructed in children with extrahepatic bile duct atresia (EHBA) resulting in fat malabsorption and disturbed lipid metabolism. Aim: Investigate if the bile duct ligated rat exhibits similar deviations as patients with EHBA under different feeding conditions. Methods: 6 bile duct ligated Wistar rats and 12 matched paired controls were randomised over 3 feeding groups. Rats were killed 16 or 30 days postsurgery. Faeces, blood and livers were collected. Fat absorption was evaluated, markers for cholestasis and the fatty acid composition of serum phospholipids (PL) and cholesterol esters (CE) were determined. Fatty acid desaturation activities in liver microsomes were measured. Results: Cholestatic bile duct ligated rats have a lower fat absorption coefficient and a lower fraction of 18:2n–6 and 18:3n–3 in serum triglycerides than their controls. This demonstrates that bile duct ligated rats suffer from fat malabsorption. In contrast to the observations in serum triglycerides, 18:2n–6 and 18:3n–3 were not reduced in serum PL and CE of cholestatic rats. Overflow of 18:2n–6 rich biliary PL in the general circulation could contribute to this observation. In agreement with what was found in man, serum PL of cholestatic rats have a higher 16:0/18:0 ratio, increased monoenes and reduced unsaturated fatty acids. However, no differences were observed in microsomal desaturation activities. Conclusion: Cholestatic bile duct ligated rats exhibit similar deviations in serum fatty acid composition as found in patients with EHBA, therefore they can be used as a model for this human disease.