Podcasts about lc pufa

Allattamento al seno: parliamone. Scopri la nostra visione nell'Episodio del podcast di oggi, in cui Vittoria ha voluto spaziare tra fatti documentati, studi scientifici e la sua esperienza personale. Vittoria, infatti, sta ancora allattando Loris, suo figlio di appena un anno e ha voluto dedicare un intero episodio proprio a questo, raccontando anche il suo viaggio personale con l'allattamento. Non potevano mancare riferimenti a studi scientifici e curiosità sull'argomento, quindi che aspetti? Ti avvisiamo già che l'Episodio NON lascia spazio ad alcun tipo di giudizio! Ogni mamma è meravigliosa, sia che allatti sia che non possa o abbia deciso di non allattare :) Se ti va di dirci la tua, o raccontare la tua esperienza, ti leggiamo nei commenti! **RISORSE CITATE** Prospective population-based cohort study of lactation and cardiovascular disease mortality Timing of expressing milk and a baby drinking it affects infant sleep Infant and young child feeding Dietary fat type influences total milk fat content in lean women Milk fat depression in C57Bl/6J mice consuming partially hydrogenated fat Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) and perinatal development Breast milk fatty acid composition: a comparative study between Hong Kong and Chongqing Chinese ===================================== Dove seguirci: Il nostro ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠profilo Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @conoscitestessa La nostra ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pagina Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ "Conosci Te Stessa" Il nostro ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Canale Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ "Conosci Te Stessa"

Statistics point to the fact that the elderly population - those over 65 years of age -has tripled from 4 to 13% over the last century – with an expectation that it will grow to 20% by 2025 and 33% by 2050. With aging, there is an associated decline in cognitive function of 15-20% of those over 65. Alzheimer’s, the main neurodegenerative disease, affects 24 million people worldwide.According to research - n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Their Derivates Reduce Neuroinflammation During Aging - which appeared in the March issue of the online journal Nutrients, “dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are particularly attractive, as they are present in the brain, possess immunomodulatory properties, and are precursors of lipid derivates named specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPM).”“SPMs are crucially involved in the resolution of inflammation that is modified during aging, resulting in chronic inflammation,” comment the French study researchers. The advanced age-associated chronic, low grade inflammation is known as inflammaging.The French reviewers point out that microglial cells - the resident innate immune cells of the CNS - are involved in various physiological and pathophysiological functions - initiating the immune response, when they recognize damage and pathogen-associated molecular patterns.The French also point out that with aging, there can be an increase in the expression of blood and brain levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and a decrease in the expression of anti-inflammatory factors.Britannica.com says cytokines are, “any of a group of small, short-lived proteins that are released by one cell to regulate the function of another cell, thereby serving as intercellular chemical messengers.”Cytokines, says the website, “effect changes in cellular behavior that are important in a number of physiological processes, including reproduction, growth and development, and injury repair. However, they are probably best known for the roles they play in the immune system’s defense against disease-causing organisms.”In their review of neuroinflammation on aging, the French reference that the Omega-3 essential fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) represents 12-14% of the total fatty acid content in the brain, and, “has key-regulator functions in inflammation. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), the other EFA, despite its low level in the brain, has great importance, as well.Fish consumption, such as salmon, sardines, and trout, is the main source of long chain Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ((n-3LC PUFA). “The absence of n-3 LC PUFA consumption and/or a defect in their metabolism is responsible for increased neuroinflammation, leading to neurological disorders,” the reviewers state.It was concluded that, “n-3 LC-PUFAs and their bioactive lipid derivates (SPMs) are promising, as they reduce and resolve inflammation.”In a separate study – Beneficial Effects of Walnuts on Cognition and Brain Health – which appeared in February of 2020 in the Nutrients journal – reviewers from the New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities state that, “oxidative stress and neuroinflammation have important roles in the aging process, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and other brain disorders.”Their studies, “demonstrated that walnuts reduce oxidative stress, not only by decreasing free radical levels, but also by boosting antioxidant defense, thus reducing oxidative damage to lipids and proteins.”My 4 locally operated GNC franchise locations – designated, as others, by the US Homeland Security Department as essential businesses – are open, offering online ordering for grab and go, along with full access to our sanitized stores. For those who desire product to be shipped, please email spencer@mackienutrition.com with your requests. Check mackieshilstone.com

Der Diabetes mellitus ist mit einer Anzahl von über 171 Millionen erkrankten Menschen weltweit eine der größten metabolischen Volkserkrankungen. Die immer höhere werdende Zahl von Schwangeren mit Gestationsdiabetes lässt die Frage aufkommen, welche Konsequenzen für Schwangerschaft und Neugeborenen bestehen. Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, anhand von einem erkrankten Probandenkollektiv sowie einer gesunden Referenzgruppe den Einfluss der Glukosestoffwechselstörung auf den Fettsäuremetabolismus von werdender Mutter über die Plazenta zum Ungeborenen bzw. Neugeborenen näher zu charakterisieren. Konkret sollte die Frage beantwortet werden, ob Unterschiede in der plazentaren mRNA-Expression von Fettsäuretransportproteinen bei Schwangeren mit Diabetes mellitus bestehen. In die Studie konnten 11 schwangere Probandinnen mit Diabetes mellitus eingeschlossen werden. Weiterhin konnten als Referenzgruppen 10 gesunde Schwangere gewonnen werden. Alle Probandinnen waren Patientinnen der Klinik und Poliklinik für Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe Innenstadt (Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians- Universität München; Direktor Prof. Dr. med. Klaus Friese). Die Probandinnen nahmen 12 Stunden vor einem geplanten Kaiserschnitt eine definierte Menge 13C-markierte Docosahexaensäure, Arachidonsäure und Ölsäure zu sich. Zum Zeitpunkt der Sectio wurde venöses Blut der werdenden Mutter, Nabelschnurvenen und –arterienblut sowie Plazentagewebe gewonnen. Die gewonnen Proben wurden bis zur weiteren Bearbeitung tiefgefroren konserviert. Die durchgeführten Versuche wurde alle mit den Methoden der Real-Time PCR, Immunhistochemie, Gaschromatographie und Massenspektrometrie gemessen. Die Real-Time PCRs wurden mit Primern für die Fettsäuretransportproteine der FATP-Familie FATP-1, FATP-4 und FATP-6, des Fettsäurebindungsproteins FABPpm, der Fettsäuretranslokase FAT/CD36 und des Adipozyten-Fettsäurebindungsproteins aFABP sowie der Fettsäuredesaturasen FADS-1 und FADS-2 und der Fettsäurelipasen hEL und hLPL durchgeführt. Immunhistochemisch wurde Plazentagewebe mit Antikörpern gegen FATP-1 und FATP-4 gefärbt. Mittels Gaschromatographie wurden die Fettsäureverteilungen in den verschiedenen Fettsäurekompartimenten Phospholipide, Triglyzeride, Cholesterinester und freie Fettsäuren im Blutplasma und Plazentagewebe bestimmt. Zusätzlich wurden Fettsäureanteile in der Phosphatidylcholin- und Phosphatidylethanolaminfraktion in Erythrozyten gemessen. Außerdem konnten mit Hilfe der Massenspektrometrie die Anteile der 13C-markierten Fettsäuren detektiert werden. Die mittels Real-Time PCR gemessene mRNA-Expression von Fettsäuretransportproteinen FATP-1, FATP-4 und FATP-6, FABPpm, FAT/CD36, aFABP, von den Fettsäuredesaturasen FADS-1 und FADS-2 und von den Fettsäurelipasen hEL und hLPL zeigten in beiden untersuchten Probandenkollektiven keine signifikanten Unterschiede. Auch der immunhistochemische Lokalisationsnachweis von FATP-1 und FATP-4 im Synzytiothrophoblasten und Kapillarendothel war für beide Gruppen gleich. Bezüglich der Tracer-Fettsäureverteilung in beiden untersuchten Gruppen zeigte sich eine signifikant niedrigere 13C-AA Anreicherung in der GDM-Gruppe. In Hinblick auf die Fettsäureverteilung von nicht-tracermarkierten Fettsäuren zeigten sich in der GDM- Gruppe signifikant höhere PUFA-Anteile in der Phospholipidfraktion des Nabelschnurvenenblutplasmas verglichen mit Nabelschnurarterienblutplasma. Die für diese Arbeit erhobenen Daten zeigen, dass auf mRNA-Ebene keine Regulationsprozesse zu bestehen scheinen, die zu einer unterschiedlichen Verteilung von Fettsäuren von der Schwangeren auf den Neonatus führen. Auch die Darstellung mittels Immunhistochemie von FATP-1 und FATP-4 zeigt, dass diese Fettsäuretransportproteine in beiden untersuchten Gruppen gleich lokalisiert sind. Es ist jedoch nicht auszuschließen, dass Regulationsprozesse zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt aktiv werden, der jedoch in dieser Arbeit nicht untersucht wurde. Bezüglich der 13C-Fettsäureanreicherung ist zu vermuten, dass die niedrigeren 13C-AA-Anteile in der GDM-Gruppe dadurch zustande gekommen sein könnten, dass die Diabetikerinnen und ihre Neugeborenen aufgrund einer höheren inflammatorischen Grundaktivität im Metabolismus mehr 13C-AA direkt utilisieren und diese nach 12 Stunden nicht mehr in Blut und Plazenta messbar sind. Eine mögliche Erklärung für die Tatsache, dass in der GDM-Gruppe mehr PUFAs im Nabelschnurvenenblut als im Nabelschnurarterienblut aufzufinden waren, könnte sein, dass Neugeborene diabeteskranker Mütter mehr PUFAs benötigen und diese sofort aus dem venösen Nabelschnurblut in ihren Metabolismus utilisieren, sodass signifikant niedrigere Anteile im zurückfließenden Nabelschnurarterienblut vorzufinden sind. Weitere Untersuchungen hierzu müssen Aufschluss darüber geben, inwieweit diese Wissen zu interpretieren ist und ob sich hieraus Konsequenzen für die Schwangerschaft von Diabetikerinnen ergeben.

Patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) have to follow a lifelong phenylalanine restricted diet. This type of diet markedly reduces the intake of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids especially long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA). Long-chain saturated fatty acids are substrates of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation for acetyl-CoA production. LC-PUFA are discussed to affect inflammatory and haemostaseological processes in health and disease. The influence of the long term PKU diet on fatty acid metabolism with a special focus on platelet eicosanoid metabolism has been investigated in the study presented here. 12 children with PKU under good metabolic control and 8 healthy controls were included. Activated fatty acids (acylcarnitines C6-C18) in dried blood and the cholesterol metabolism in serum were analyzed by liquid chromatographic tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Fatty acid composition of plasma glycerophospholipids was determined by gas chromatography. LC-PUFA metabolites were analyzed in supernatants by LC-MS/MS before and after platelet activation and aggregation using a standardized protocol. Patients with PKU had significantly lower free carnitine and lower activated fatty acids in dried blood compared to controls. Phytosterols as marker of cholesterol (re-) absorption were not influenced by the dietary fatty acid restriction. Fatty acid composition in glycerophospholipids was comparable to that of healthy controls. However, patients with PKU showed significantly increased concentrations of y-linolenic acid (C18:3n-6) a precursor of arachidonic acid. In the PKU patients significantly higher platelet counts were observed. After activation with collagen platelet aggregation and thromboxane B(2) and thromboxane B(3) release did not differ from that of healthy controls. Long-term dietary fatty acid restriction influenced the intermediates of mitochondrial beta-oxidation. No functional influence on unsaturated fatty acid metabolism and platelet aggregation in patients with PKU was detected.

Tracking of fatty acid (FA) contribution to plasma or serum lipids over time was shown in children and adults. However, the potential role of FADS gene variants has not been investigated. Serum GP FA composition of 331 children aged 2 and 6 years, participating in an ongoing birth cohort study, was analyzed. Correlation coefficients were estimated to describe FA tracking over 4 years and to assess the influence of FADS variants on tracking. We found low to moderate tracking (r = 0.12-0.49) of FA compositions and concentration between 2 and 6 years. Concentration changes of total monounsaturated FA and total saturated FA over time correlated closely (r = 0.79) but percentage values were unrelated (r = -0.02). Tracking for n-6 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) concentrations was lower in subjects homozygous for the major allele of FADS variants and higher in carriers of at least one minor allele, whereas for total n-3 LC-PUFA concentrations and compositions this was vice versa. For individual n-3 PUFA inconsistent results were found. Serum GP FA composition shows low to moderate tracking over 4 years with a higher tracking for LC-PUFA metabolites than for their precursor FA. Serum PUFA levels and their tracking seem to be more influenced by lipid and lipoprotein metabolism than by FA specific pathways.

Background: trans unsaturated fatty acids are thought to interfere with essential fatty acid metabolism. To extend our knowledge of this phenomenon, we investigated the relationship between trans isomeric and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) in mothers during pregnancy and in their infants at birth. Methods: Fatty acid composition of erythrocyte phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) was determined in Spanish (n = 120), German (n = 78) and Hungarian (n = 43) women at the 20th and 30th week of gestation, at delivery and in their newborns. Results: At the 20th week of gestation, the sum of trans fatty acids in PE was significantly (p < 0.01) lower in Hungarian {[}0.73 (0.51), % wt/wt, median (IQR)] than in Spanish {[}1.42 (1.36)] and German {[}1.30 (1.21)] women. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) values in PE were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in Hungarian {[}5.65 (2.09)] than in Spanish {[}4.37 (2.60)] or German {[}4.39 (3.3.2)] women. The sum of trans fatty acids significantly inversely correlated to DHA in PCs in Spanish (r = -0.37, p < 0.001), German (n = -0.77, p < 0.001) and Hungarian (r = -0.35, p < 0.05) women, and in PEs in Spanish (r = -0.67, p < 0.001) and German (r = -0.71, p < 0.001), but not in Hungarian (r = -0.02) women. Significant inverse correlations were seen between trans fatty acids and DHA in PEs at the 30th week of gestation (n = 241, r = -0.52, p < 0.001), at delivery (n = 241, r = -0.40, p < 0.001) and in cord lipids (n = 218, r = -0.28, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Because humans cannot synthesize trans isomeric fatty acids, the data obtained in the present study support the concept that high maternal trans isomeric fatty acid intake may interfere with the availability of LCPUFA both for the mother and the fetus. Copyright (C) 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) play an important role in several physiological processes and their concentration in phospholipids has been associated with several complex diseases, such as atopic disease. The level and composition of LC-PUFAs in the human body is highly dependent on their intake in the diet or on the intake of fatty acid precursors, which are endogenously elongated and desaturated to physiologically active LC-PUFAs. The most important enzymes in this reaction cascade are the Delta(5) and Delta(6) desaturase. Several studies in the last few years have revealed that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 2 desaturase encoding genes (FADS1 and FADS2) are highly associated with the concentration of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, showing that beside nutrition, genetic factors also play an important role in the regulation of LC-PUFAs. This review focuses on current knowledge of the impact of genetic polymorphisms on LC-PUFA metabolism and on their potential role in the development of atopic diseases. Copyright (c) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel

This paper reviews current knowledge on the role of the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n-3) and arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6), in maternal and term infant nutrition as well as infant development. Consensus recommendations and practice guidelines for health-care providers supported by the World Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Early Nutrition Academy, and the Child Health Foundation are provided. The fetus and neonate should receive LC-PUFA in amounts sufficient to support optimal visual and cognitive development. Moreover, the consumption of oils rich in n-3 LC-PUFA during pregnancy reduces the risk for early premature birth. Pregnant and lactating women should aim to achieve an average daily intake of at least 200 mg DHA. For healthy term infants, we recommend and fully endorse breastfeeding, which supplies preformed LC-PUFA, as the preferred method of feeding. When breastfeeding is not possible, we recommend use of an infant formula providing DHA at levels between 0.2 and 0.5 weight percent of total fat, and with the minimum amount of AA equivalent to the contents of DHA. Dietary LC-PUFA supply should continue after the first six months of life, but currently there is not sufficient information for quantitative recommendations.

This work was intended to evaluate two supplementation strategies to improve long-chain omega-3 fatty acid (n-3 LCPUFA) status in healthy adults. Two randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled intervention studies with parallel design were performed. The first study investigated the effects of a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-rich, almost eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-free microalgae oil (Ulkenia sp.) on red blood cell (RBC) and plasma fatty acids, plasma lipids and several safety parameters. Normolipidaemic vegetarians (87 f, 27 m) consumed daily microalgae oil (0.94 g DHA/d) or olive oil (as placebo) for 8 wk. DHA supplementation significantly increased DHA levels in RBC total lipids (from 4.4 to 7.9 wt%, means), in RBC phosphatidylethanolamine (from 6.5 to 12.1 wt%), in RBC phosphatidylcholine (from 1.4 to 3.8 wt%), and in plasma phospholipids (from 2.8 to 7.4 wt%). EPA levels rose to a much lesser extent. Microalgae oil provided for an increase in omega-3 index (from 4.8 to 8.4 wt%); after intervention, 69% of DHA supplemented subjects, but no subject of the placebo group reached an omega-3 index with a desirable value > 8 wt%. DHA supplementation decreased plasma triacylglycerol (TG) by 23% from 1.08 to 0.83 mmol/l. Plasma total, LDL and HDL cholesterol increased significantly in the DHA group, resulting in a lower TG:HDL cholesterol ratio and unchanged LDL:HDL and total cholesterol:HDL cholesterol ratios. The intake of DHA-rich microalgae oil did not result in any physiologically relevant changes of safety and haemostatic factors. In conclusion, DHA-rich oil from microalgae Ulkenia sp. was well tolerated and can be considered a suitable vegetarian source of n-3 LCPUFA. Although DHA supplementation improved some cardiovascular risk factors (plasma TG, TG:HDL cholesterol ratio), LDL cholesterol increased. Therefore, the overall effects of this intervention on cardiovascular risk deserve further investigation. The second study investigated the effects of a fish oil / evening primrose oil (FO/EPO) blend (456 mg DHA/day and 353 mg gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)/day) compared to a placebo (mixture of habitual dietary fatty acids) on the plasma fatty acid (FA) composition in two groups of 20 non-pregnant women. FA were quantified in plasma total lipids, phospholipids, cholesterol esters, and TG at weeks 0, 4, 6 and 8. After 8 weeks of intervention, percentage changes from baseline values of plasma total lipid FA were significantly different between FO/EPO and placebo for GLA (+49.9% vs. +2.1%, means), dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA, +13.8% vs. +0.7%) and DHA (+59.6% vs. +5.5%), while there was no significant difference for arachidonic acid (ARA, -2.2% vs. -5.9%). FA changes were largely comparable between plasma lipid fractions. As compared to placebo, FO/EPO supplementation did not result in any physiologically relevant changes of safety parameters (blood cell count, liver enzymes). In conclusion, in women of childbearing age the tested FO/EPO blend is well tolerated and appears safe. It increases plasma GLA, DGLA, and DHA levels without impairing ARA status. These data provide a basis for testing this FO/EPO blend in pregnant women for its effects on maternal and neonatal FA status and infant development.

Objectives: The fatty acid composition of plasma phospholipids reflects the dietary fatty acid intake as well as endogenous turnover. We aimed at investigating the potential tracking of plasma phospholipid fatty acid composition in children that participated in a prospective cohort study. Methods: 26 healthy children participated in a longitudinal study on health risks and had been enrolled after birth. All children were born at term with birth weights appropriate for gestational age. Follow-up took place at ages 24, 36 and 60 months. At each time point a 24-hour dietary recall was obtained, anthropometric parameters were measured and a blood sample for phospholipid fatty acid analysis was taken. Results: Dietary intake of saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids at the three time points were not correlated. We found lower values for plasma MUFA and the MUFA/SFA ratio at 60 months compared to 24 months. In contrast, total PUFA, total n-6 and n-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) were higher at 60 months. Significant averaged correlation coefficients (average of Pearson's R for 24 versus 36 months and 36 versus 60 months) were found for n-6 LC-PUFA (r = 0.67), n-6/n-3 LC-PUFA ratio (r = 0.59) and arachidonic acid/linoleic acid ratio (r = 0.64). Partial tracking was found for the docosahexaenoic acid/alpha-linolenic acid ratio (r = 0.33). Body mass index and sum of skinfolds Z-scores were similar in the three evaluations. Conclusions: A significant tracking of n-6 LC-PUFA, n-6 LC-PUFA/n-3 LC-PUFA ratio, arachidonic acid/ linoleic acid ratio and docosahexaenoic acid/alpha-linolenic acid ratio may reflect an influence of individual endogenous fatty acid metabolism on plasma concentrations of some, but not all, fatty acids. Copyright (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Considerable evidence exists for marked beneficial effects of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) during pregnancy. The omega-3 LCPUFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is incorporated in large amounts in fetal brain and other tissues during the second half of pregnancy, and several studies have provided evidence for a link between early DHA status of the mother and visual and cognitive development of her child after birth. Moreover, the supplementation of omega-3 LC-PUFA during pregnancy increases slightly infant size at birth, and significantly reduces early preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation by 31%. In our studies using stable isotope methodology in vivo, we demonstrated active and preferential materno-fetal transfer of DHA across the human placenta and found the expression of human placental fatty acid binding and transport proteins. From the correlation of DHA values with placental fatty acid transport protein 4 (FATP 4), we conclude that this protein is of key importance in mediating DHA transport across the human placenta. Given the great importance of placental DHA transport for infant outcome, further studies are needed to fully appreciate the effects and optimal strategies of omega-3 fatty acid interventions in pregnancy, dose response relationships, and the potential differences between subgroups of subjects such as women with gestational diabetes or other gestational pathology. Such studies should contribute to optimize substrate intake during pregnancy and lactation that may improve pregnancy outcome as well as fetal growth and development.

The fatty acid composition of plasma lipids was determined in 41 pairs of mothers and their term infants at time of birth (38-42 postmenstrual weeks) by high-resolution capillary gas-liquid chromatography, Linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids were found at smaller concentrations in cord than in maternal triglycerides, in contrast to strikingly higher proportions of their long-chain polyunsaturated metabolites (IC-PUFA), which indicates a preferential maternofetal transport for certain physiologically important LC-PUFA. While no significant gestational age-dependent changes occurred in maternal plasma triglycerides, the values for most of the fetal long-chain n-3 metabolites increased with the duration of gestation, possibly reflecting an increased transplacental fatty acid passage during late pregnancy or a maturation of desaturation in the fetal liver, Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Background/Aim: Previous studies in vitro and in animals in vivo found that alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3 omega 3) may enhance oxidative damage of essential amino acids. We investigated whether the addition of the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) arachidonate (C20:4 omega-6; AA) and docosahexaenoate (C22:6-omega 3; DHA) in the form of egg phospholipids to infant formula affects plasma amino acid concentrations and indices of protein metabolism in term infants. Methods: In a double-blind, randomized clinical trial, healthy infants were fed from day 5 of life formula with or without preformed LCPUFA (n = 10 and 12, respectively). At the age of 5 days and 1, 2, 3 and 4 months, blood samples were obtained and analyzed for plasma amino acids by high-performance liquid chromatography and for plasma phospholipid fatty acid composition by gas chromatography. Results: At the age of 3 months, plasma threonine concentrations were significantly lower in infants receiving dietary LCPUFA than in controls (124 +/- 16 vs. 216 +/- 28 mu mol/l, p < 0.05). Values of other plasma essential amino acids, total protein, albumin, creatinine and urea nitrogen did not differ between the two feeding groups throughout the study. At the age of 5 days, plasma phospholipid AA and DHA concentrations were inversely correlated with histidine concentrations (AA: r = -0.60, p = 0.01; DHA: r = -0.53, p < 0.05). At the age of 3 months, DHA concentrations were inversely related to plasma histidine, methionine and threonine concentrations (r = -0.66, -0.62, and -0.64, respectively, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The dietary LCPUFA supplementation of infant formula used in this study has no adverse effects on infant plasma amino acid concentrations and indicators of protein metabolism. Nonetheless, the apparent interaction of LCPUFA with some amino acids in formula-fed infants warrants further investigation.