Different patterns characterize Omega 6 and Omega 3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid levels in blood from Italian infants, children, adults and elderly

• Published in: Prostaglandins, leukotrienes and essential fatty acids Vol. 89; no. 4; pp. 215 - 220
• Main Authors: Risé, P, Tragni, E, Ghezzi, S, Agostoni, C, Marangoni, F, Poli, A, Catapano, A.L, Siani, A, Iacoviello, L, Galli, C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Scotland Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2013
• Subjects: Adult; Adults; Advanced Basic Science; Age Factors; Aged; Arachidonic Acid - blood; Blood lipids; Child; Child, Preschool; Children; Elderly; Endocrinology & Metabolism; Fatty acid status; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated - blood; Fatty Acids, Omega-3 - blood; Fatty Acids, Omega-6 - blood; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Italy; Linoleic Acid - blood; Middle Aged; Neonates; Polyunsaturated fatty acids; Italy; Neonates; Polyunsaturated fatty acids; MUFA; whole blood; phospholipids; WB; long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids; SFA; docosahexaenoic acid; LC-PUFA; saturated fatty acids; Blood lipids; Children; AA; arachidonic acid; alpha-linolenic acid; Fatty acid status; fatty acids; linoleic acid; monounsaturated fatty acids; eicosapentaenoic acid; LA; ALA; EPA; Adults; FA; DHA; PL; Elderly
• ISSN: 0952-3278; 1532-2823
• DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2013.06.009

Abstract Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), especially the Omega 3, modulate key functions in the body. Their circulating levels are representative of their “status”, and may vary at different ages. We have compared the FA status in Italian subjects from neonates to adulthood, assessed through FA analysis of blood drops from fingertips. Data from four cohorts of Italian subjects (total number 1835), have been pooled in four age-groups: neonates (4 days, n =81), children (2–9 years, n =728), adults (40–59 years, n =434) and elderly (60–79 years, n =592). LC-PUFA of both series (Omega 3 and 6) are higher in the blood of neonates than at subsequent ages, reflecting the efficient transfer of these FA from mothers to the fetus. In contrast, the lowest levels of Omega 3 PUFA, especially of DHA, are found in children, probably reflecting inadequate dietary intakes, with possible consequences on the health status at subsequent ages.