DHA and EPA in red blood cell membranes are associated with dietary intakes of omega-3-rich fish in healthy children. (September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Parks, Colleen A.; Brett, Neil R.; Agellon, Sherry; Lavery, Paula; Vanstone, Catherine A.; Maguire, Jonathon L.; Rauch, Frank; Weiler, Hope A.
• Is Part Of: Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and essential fatty acids. Volume 124(2017)
• Page Start: 11
• Page End: 16
• Publication Date: 2017-09
• Subjects: Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids -- Food frequency questionnaire -- Diet -- Fish -- Children -- Red blood cells; Lipids -- Periodicals; Unsaturated fatty acids -- Periodicals; Prostaglandins -- Periodicals; Leukotrienes -- Periodicals; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated -- Periodicals; Acides gras insaturés -- Périodiques; Prostaglandines -- Périodiques; Leucotriènes -- Périodiques; Lipides -- Périodiques; 612.01577
• DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2017.08.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0952-3278

Abstract

Abstract: Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) are important in child development. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the associations between dietary intakes of n-3 LCPUFA and red blood cell (RBC) n-3 LCPUFA in young children. Healthy children, (2–8 y) underwent RBC fatty acid profiling. Dietary intakes were parent-reported over 6 mo using three 24 h dietary intake assessments and three 30 d food frequency questionnaires (FFQ). Participants (n = 49, 5.6 ± 1.9 y), were 59% male, and had a body mass index (BMI) z-score of 0.65 ± 0.84. Dietary n-3 LCPUFA intakes were not different over time. RBC docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) positively correlated with average DHA from the 24 h recalls. RBC DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) positively correlated with average n-3 LCPUFA-rich fish intake from the FFQ. RBC appear to reflect long-term stable intakes of n-3 LCPUFA during growth in healthy young children. Highlights: RBC reflect long-term intake of DHA and EPA. Dietary intakes of n-3 LCPUFA-rich fish correlate with levels of EPA and DHA in RBC membranes of healthy children. Children may not be consuming enough of the essential n-3 LCPUFA.