Novel methodologies for assessing omega-3 fatty acid status – a systematic review

Over the last few decadesn-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid status became of special interest for scientists. Biochemical measures on then-3 fatty acid status vary depending on body compartment assessed and measures chosen. Plasma phospholipids and red blood cell membrane phospholipids are mainly used asn-3 fatty acid status marker. The conventional analysis of phospholipid fatty acids involves lipid extraction and consecutive chromatographic separation of phospholipids from other lipid fractions, which is time-consuming and costly. In recent years, different investigators have tried to overcome these limitations by using other biological markers or by modifying the analytical procedures used to assessn-3 fatty acid status. The aim of this systematic review was to provide an overview on these novel analytical methods developed for the fatty acid quantification by gas chromatography, highlights the methodological limitations, and discusses advantages or disadvantages of the biological markers used. Seventeen papers were identified that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. New opportunities arise from sensitive and precise high-throughput methodologies for assessment of plasma total lipid and plasma glycerophospholipid fatty acids, as well as cheek cell fatty acid composition.

Download Full-text

The Percentage of n-3 Highly Unsaturated Fatty Acids in Total HUFA as a Biomarker for Omega-3 Fatty Acid Status in Tissues

Lipids ◽

10.1007/s11745-007-3128-3 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 43 (1) ◽

pp. 45-53 ◽

Cited By ~ 60

Author(s):

Ken D. Stark

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Fatty Acid ◽

Unsaturated Fatty Acids ◽

Omega 3 ◽

Fatty Acid Status ◽

Highly Unsaturated Fatty Acids ◽

Omega 3 Fatty Acid ◽

Acid Status

Download Full-text

Blood fatty acid changes in healthy young Americans in response to a 10-week diet that increased n-3 and reduced n-6 fatty acid consumption: a randomised controlled trial

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114517001003 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 117 (9) ◽

pp. 1257-1269 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Andrew J. Young ◽

Bernadette P. Marriott ◽

Catherine M. Champagne ◽

Michael R. Hawes ◽

Scott J. Montain ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Fatty Acid ◽

Emotional Reactivity ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Omega 3 ◽

Fatty Acid Status ◽

High Linoleic Acid ◽

Food Ingredients ◽

High Oleic ◽

Acid Status

AbstractMilitary personnel generally under-consume n-3 fatty acids and overconsume n-6 fatty acids. In a placebo-controlled, double-blinded study, we investigated whether a diet suitable for implementation in military dining facilities and civilian cafeterias could benefit n-3/n-6 fatty acid status of consumers. Three volunteer groups were provided different diets for 10 weeks. Control (CON) participants consumed meals from the US Military’s Standard Garrison Dining Facility Menu. Experimental, moderate (EXP-Mod) and experimental-high (EXP-High) participants consumed the same meals, but high n-6 fatty acid and low n-3 fatty acid containing chicken, egg, oils and food ingredients were replaced with products having less n-6 fatty acids and more n-3 fatty acids. The EXP-High participants also consumed smoothies containing 1000 mg n-3 fatty acids per serving, whereas other participants received placebo smoothies. Plasma and erythrocyte EPA and DHA in CON group remained unchanged throughout, whereas EPA, DHA and Omega-3 Index increased in EXP-Mod and EXP-High groups, and were higher than in CON group after 5 weeks. After 10 weeks, Omega-3 Index in EXP-High group had increased further. No participants exhibited changes in fasting plasma TAG, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, mood or emotional reactivity. Replacing high linoleic acid (LA) containing foods in dining facility menus with similar high oleic acid/low LA and high n-3 fatty acid foods can improve n-6/n-3 blood fatty acid status after 5 weeks. The diets were well accepted and suitable for implementation in group feeding settings like military dining facilities and civilian cafeterias.

Download Full-text