Comparison of growth, serum biochemistries and n−6 fatty acid metabolism in rats fed diets supplemented with high-gamma-linolenic acid safflower oil or borage oil for 90days

Abstract

Recently, steps have been taken to further developments toward increasing gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) concentration and lowering costs in plant seed oils using transgenic technology. Through identification and expression of a fungal delta-6 desaturase gene in the high linoleic acid safflower plant, the seeds from this genetic transformation produce oil with >40% GLA (high GLA safflower oil (HGSO)). The aim of the study was to compare the effects of feeding HGSO to a generally recognized as safe source of GLA, borage oil, in a 90 day safety study in rats. Weanling male and female Sprague–Dawley rats were fed a semi-synthetic, fat free, pelleted diet (AIN93G) supplemented with a 10% (wt/wt) oil blend containing HGSO or borage oil, with equivalent GLA levels. Results demonstrated that feeding diets containing HGSO or borage oil for 90 days had similar biologic effects with regard to growth characteristics, body composition, behavior, organ weight and histology, and parameters of hematology and serum biochemistries in both sexes. Metabolism of the primary n–6 fatty acids in plasma and organ phospholipids was similar, despite minor changes in females. We conclude that HGSO is biologically equivalent to borage oil and provides a safe alternative source of GLA in the diet.

Fatty acid composition and oxidative characteristics of novel edible oils in Poland

“…High level of eicosenoic FA (C20:1) (3.9%) determined by us in BOR confirmed earlier report of Tso, Caldwell, Lee, Boivin, and De Michele (2012), who also found slightly higher share of GLA. Supplementation of diet with Borage oil enhances the levels of n-6 PUFA (dihomogamma-linolenic and arachidonic acid) in the plasma, liver, and vascular tissue of Wistar Kyoto and spontaneously hypertensive rats, and may be responsible for the observed anti-hypertensive effect (Engler & Engler, 1998).…”

Changes in the diet composition of fatty acids and fiber affect the lower gastrointestinal motility but have no impact on cardiovascular parameters: In vivo and in vitro studies

“…The final BW of animals in all groups was similar. Therefore, the results are consistent with previously reported outcomes, where the growth characteristics and FI remained unchanged during the 4‐week period of feeding with either soybean oil, coconut oil, or evening primrose oil …”

“…Therefore, the results are consistent with previously reported outcomes, where the growth characteristics and FI remained unchanged during the 4-week period of feeding with either soybean oil, 46,47 coconut oil, [48][49][50][51] or evening primrose oil. 52,53 The cornerstone of current dietary advice is the recommendation to reduce the intake of saturated FAs and replace it with PUFAs, as a means of decreasing the risk of CVD. 54 However, several meta-analyses of observational studies have consistently indicated that the intake of saturated FAs is independently associated with cardiac function, and that current evidence does not clearly support the CV guidelines.…”

Microencapsulation of borage oil with blends of milk protein, β‐glucan and maltodextrin through spray drying: physicochemical characteristics and stability of the microcapsules

“…GLA also inhibits tumour growth, exerts good anti‐inflammatory activity and provides immunity in the early stages of sepsis . Therefore, applying GLA to functional food, dietary supplements and personal care products substantially promotes the recognition of the nutritional and health benefits of PUFAs . However, borage oil is vulnerable to oxidation because of its high omega‐6 PUFA content, and the consequent production of undesirable flavours affects the sensory properties of borage‐oil‐containing foods.…”