Whole‐body utilization of n−3 PUFA in n−6 PUFA‐deficient rats

Abstract

We evaluated the utilization of a-linolenic acid (18:3n-3) in growing rats consuming a diet deficient in n-6 PUFA. After 90 d, whole-body 18:3n-3 accumulation was 55% lower, total n-3 PUFA accumulation was 21% lower, and 18:3n-3 disappearance was 14% higher in n-6 PUFA-deficient rats. Part of the reduction of whole-body 18:3n-3 in n-6 PUFA-deficient rats was due to the 25% increase in net conversion of 18:3n-3 to long-chain n-3 PUFA. Despite adequate 18:3n-3 intake, n-6 PUFA deficiency decreased the accumulation of 18:3n-3 and total n-3 PUFA.

Background Paper on Fat and Fatty Acid Requirements during Pregnancy and Lactation

“…The symptoms are often ascribed mainly to LA, but more recent data indicate that LA and ALA can partially compensate for the absence of the other [Cunnane and Anderson, 1997;Bazinet et al, 2003], while having distinct and apparently indispensable functions. Human deficiency conditions of combined LA and ALA have been described in an infant on total parenteral nutrition, and ALA alone in an adult [Holman, 1998].…”

Brain phospholipid arachidonic acid half-lives are not altered following 15 weeks of N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid adequate or deprived diet

“…Animals were placed in a recovery cage with a heat lamp and then returned to their respective n-3 PUFA adequate or defi cient diets, where they remained until the end of the study. At 4,6,8,12,16,36,48,60,90, and 120 days after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of [ 3 H] AA, n-3 PUFA adequate (n = 4) and deprived rats (n = 4) were euthanized by CO 2 inhalation and decapitation.…”

Dietary 18:3ω3 influences immune function and the tissue fatty acid response to antigens and adjuvant

“…), in a Hewlett-Packard 5890A gas liquid chromatograph (Palo Alto, CA) with automated sample delivery and injection (Hewlett-Packard 7671A) and peak integration (Hewlett-Packard 3393 integrator). Total lipid fatty acids were quantified on the basis of the proportion in each chromatogram of the corresponding internal standard added to each sample [17,[19][20][21].…”