Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Composition of Maternal Diet and Erythrocyte Phospholipid Status in Chilean Pregnant Women

Abstract

Chilean diets are characterized by a low supply of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), which are critical nutrients during pregnancy and lactation, because of their role in brain and visual development. DHA is the most relevant n-3 PUFA in this period. We evaluated the dietary n-3 PUFA intake and erythrocyte phospholipids n-3 PUFA in Chilean pregnant women. Eighty healthy pregnant women (20–36 years old) in the 3rd–6th month of pregnancy were included in the study. Dietary assessment was done applying a food frequency questionnaire, and data were analyzed through the Food Processor SQL® software. Fatty acids of erythrocyte phospholipids were assessed by gas-liquid chromatography. Diet composition was high in saturated fat, low in mono- and PUFA, high in n-6 PUFA (linoleic acid) and low in n-3 PUFA (alpha-linolenic acid and DHA), with imbalance in the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio. Similar results were observed for fatty acids from erythrocyte phospholipids. The sample of Chilean pregnant women showed high consumption of saturated fat and low consumption of n-3 PUFA, which is reflected in the low DHA content of erythrocyte phospholipids. Imbalance between n-6/n-3 PUFA could negatively affect fetal development. New strategies are necessary to improve n-3 PUFA intake throughout pregnancy and breast feeding periods. Furthermore, it is necessary to develop dietary interventions to improve the quality of consumed foods with particular emphasis on n-3 PUFA.

Erythrocyte fatty acid composition of Nepal breast-fed infants

“…The mothers had relatively high level of DHA despite low presumed dietary intake of preformed DHA and ALA. A study in Chilean pregnant women found that the dietary intake was low in long chain n-3 fatty acids [54]. However, the mean level of RBC-DHA (3.6%) was lower than in the Nepali women (4.5%), whereas it was opposite for RBC-EPA, 1.6% (Chile) and 0.5% (Nepal).…”

“…In addition, the Chilean women had a relatively high intake of LA 4.4 g/day (median), which can adversely affect the EPA and DHA formation [47]. Comparing levels of DHA-from Chinese women (5.6%), Belgium women (4.8%) and USA women (4.7%) [54], Chilean women had the lowest level of DHA , and the Nepali women had the second lowest. In Norwegian pregnant women [57], level of RBC-DHA (6%) was slightly higher than reported for the Chinese women (5.6%).…”

Nutrition in Pregnancy: Optimising Maternal Diet and Fetal Adaptations to Altered Nutrient Supply

“…Grieger and Clifton, provide updated evidence from epidemiological and RCTs on the impact of dietary and supplemental intakes of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, zinc, folate, iron, calcium, and vitamin D, as well as dietary patterns, on infant birth weight [ 16 ]. Additionally, in studying maternal intakes of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), Bascuñán et al report a Chilean study that highlights the need for new strategies to improve n -3 PUFA intake throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding periods and the need to develop dietary interventions to improve the quality of consumed foods with particular emphasis on n -3 PUFA for adequate fetal development [ 17 ]. Fish intake during pregnancy is recognized as an important source of PUFAs.…”

Modification of Docosahexaenoic Acid Composition of Milk from Nursing Women Who Received Alpha Linolenic Acid from Chia Oil during Gestation and Nursing

“…, eating fish and/or taking n-3 LCPUFA supplements) as has been previously demonstrated [ 50 ]. In a recent study it was established that Chilean pregnant women who consistently show very low consumption of fish and other marine foods [ 51 ], as a result show a very low level of DHA in their breast milk as well as a low content of DHA in erythrocyte phospholipid fatty acids [ 51 ]. Populations that consume high amounts of fish, such as Philippine and Japanese women [ 52 , 53 ], show higher levels of DHA in milk compared to populations that consume less fish (e.g., Israel, Columbus, Ohio, USA) [ 54 , 55 ].…”

“…Chia oil may constitute an available and inexpensive way to provide ALA in higher amounts to the population of many countries characterized by low fish consumption [ 51 , 67 ]. It is not of minor importance considering the actual low availability of fish and the increasing concerns about fish contamination with heavy metals and other toxic products that negatively influence fish consumption [ 68 , 69 ].…”