Total Fatty Acids Content of Erythrocyte Membrane Phospholipids in Healthy Children from Birth to 6 Years Old 

Abstract

Objective: Relate the profile of total fatty acids in erythrocyte membrane with the child nutritional status. Method: It was determined the concentration of total fatty acids in erythrocyte membrane of 138 children under 6 years (69girls, 69children) through a blood sample (2mL) by capillary gas chromatography. Likewise assessed the status through Anthropometry, Dietetics and clinical nutrition. Results: 33 fatty acids were found in the erythrocyte membrane: 14 saturated, 8 monounsaturated, 11 Polyunsaturated and 2 Trans fatty acids. The SFA had the highest concentration, especially Palmitic acid with 22.9mg/100mL in children. DHA showed a concentration of 6.3mg/100mL and the EPA of 1.2mg/100mL, showing a positive correlation (r = 0.55) statistically significant (p < 0.002). The n-6 PUFAS showed statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) between the age groups, of the total sample BMI/age values showed variable Z score from scratch, according to WHO, but have values indicating malnutrition, with a tendency to overweight and obesity. This trend is higher in boys than in girls. The dietary intake of nutrient show great variability in girls, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05, 95% CI) between the age groups for energy, total fat, SFA and MUFA. In Children, only fiber has statistically significant differences. Conclusions: The concentration of the measured fatty acids remains constant in the erythrocyte membrane and apparently is not modified with respect to the age. These values are low in Mexican children.