Status of cis and trans Fatty Acids in Brazilian Adolescent Mothers and Their Newborns

trans Fatty Acids in Colostrum, Mature Milk and Diet of Lactating Adolescents

“…Considering the critical role of n-3 LCPUFA supply, through maternal milk, for optimal infant neurological development [39], the low frequency of n-3 LCPUFA food sources and high n-6/n-3 ratio, observed in the diet of the adolescent mothers, could result in poorer milk FA profile and offspring health. So far, studies on TFA intake have been primarily focused on industrial sources, which have been associated with adverse effects on infant development [7,14,16,22]. These negative effects are mainly attributed to isomers artificially produced in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (PHVO), such as 6/7/8t-18:1, 9t-18:1 and 10t-18:1 [40], and are weakly related to TFA of natural sources, found in ruminant fats, such as vaccenic (11t-18:1) and rumenic (9c,11t-18:2) acids [41].…”

“…Limitations to our study include: (a) the relatively small sample size; (b) the use of a convenience sample, both factors negatively affecting the extrapolation of the results to the general population and (c) as in our previous studies [15,21,22,35], we did not include specific analytical techniques to confirm the identity of specific trans isomers, as reported by others [62,64]. Although we cannot eliminate the possibility that overlap of cis and trans isomers may have occurred to some extent, the gas chromatography methodology employed in this study was able to properly separate the 9t-,10t-and 11t-18:1 isomers, which are the major TFA in partially hydrogenated oils and dairy fats [2,5], as well as 9c,11t-18:2 CLA (rumenic acid) in milk fat of Brazilian women [37].…”

“…Studies determining the amount of EFA and LCPUFA in breast milk and blood samples of Brazilian adolescent mothers have been conducted [20], including some by our group [21,22]. However, data on the FA composition of HM are still quite conflicting and a Brazilian study associating maternal diet with the content and distribution of TFA in colostrum and mature milk from lactating adolescents, especially after declaration of TFA in food labels became mandatory, could be valuable for public policy.…”

Toxicological aspects of trans fat consumption over two sequential generations of rats: Oxidative damage and preference for amphetamine

“…During the neonatal period (pregnancy and lactation), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3), which is metabolite of ALA, exerts a fundamental role on cortical maturation, synaptogenesis and myelination, whose deficiency may be related to increased risk for cognitive deficits and mental disorders in adulthood. More precisely, DHA is incorporated into brain/retinal membranes, modulating their fluidity and permeability (Larqué et al, 2002;Hanebutt et al, 2008), while arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4 n-6), a metabolite of LA, is a bioactive precursor of eicosanoids such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes with pro-inflammatory activity (Vines et al, 2012;Santos et al, 2012;Tian et al, 2011). Interestingly, human studies have associated n-3 PUFA deficiencies with an increased vulnerability to affective disorders and aggression besides addiction to psychostimulant drugs (Buydens-Branchey et al, 2008, 2003a.…”

Effects of LC-PUFA (Long Chain Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acids) in Infancy

“…Eicosanoids control the cellular and organelle integrity and necessary intracellular mediator for gene expression. 7 LC-PUFAs are very important to the infant for visual, brain and cognitive development. Other benefits may be included as motor development, lower blood pressure and modulate the immune response.…”