Conversion of $\alpha$-linolenic acid to longer-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in human adults.
In: Reproduction Nutrition Development, Jg. 45 (2005-09-01), Heft 5, S. 581-597
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Zugriff:
The principal biological role of $\alpha$-linolenic acid ($\alpha$LNA; 18:3n-3) appears to be as a precursor for the synthesis of longer chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Increasing $\alpha$LNA intake for a period of weeks to months results in an increase in the proportion of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) in plasma lipids, in erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets and in breast milk but there is no increase in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3), which may even decline in some pools at high $\alpha$LNA intakes. Stable isotope tracer studies indicate that conversion of $\alpha$LNA to EPA occurs but is limited in men and that further transformation to DHA is very low. The fractional conversion of $\alpha$LNA to the longer chain n-3 PUFA is greater in women which may be due to a regulatory effect of oestrogen. A lower proportion of $\alpha$LNA is used for $\beta$-oxidation in women compared with men. Overall, $\alpha$LNA appears to be a limited source of longer chain n-3 PUFA in humans. Thus, adequate intakes of preformed long chain n-3 PUFA, in particular DHA, may be important for maintaining optimal tissue function. Capacity to up-regulate $\alpha$LNA conversion in women may be important for meeting the demands of the fetus and neonate for DHA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Titel: |
Conversion of $\alpha$-linolenic acid to longer-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in human adults.
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Autor/in / Beteiligte Person: | Graham GCB Burdge ; Philip PCC Calder |
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Zeitschrift: | Reproduction Nutrition Development, Jg. 45 (2005-09-01), Heft 5, S. 581-597 |
Veröffentlichung: | 2005 |
Medientyp: | academicJournal |
ISSN: | 0926-5287 (print) |
DOI: | 10.1051/rnd:2005047 |
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