Potenciais fatores maternos associados à composição nutricional do leite humano / Potential maternal factors associated with the nutritional composition of human milk

O leite materno é considerado a melhor fonte de alimentação infantil e representa uma das experiências nutricionais mais precoces do recém-nascido dando continuidade à nutrição iniciada na vida intrauterina. Apesar de inúmeros estudos já terem elucidado grande parte de fatores associados à composição nutricional do leite, ressalta-se que a maioria esclareceu essas associações de forma isolada e com resultados contraditórios. Esta tese investigou, através de uma coletânea de artigos, os potenciais fatores associados à composição nutricional do leite humano. Para isso, foram escritos sete artigos já publicados, a saber: quatro revisões sistemáticas dois artigos originais advindos do estudo maior denominado "Morbidades e hábitos nutricionais durante a gestação impactam os macronutrientes e hormônios do leite materno e composição corporal do recém-nascido a termo?" e um manuscrito que propôs um modelo teórico de causalidade entre o excesso de peso pré-gestacional e conteúdo de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados no leite humano. Com os resultados obtidos, pode-se observar que diversos fatores maternos podem acarretar modificações na composição de macronutrientes do leite humano, sobretudo o excesso de peso materno pré-gestacional, o ganho de peso gestacional inadequado, o hábito de fumar, a presença de diabetes mellitus e/ou hipertensão arterial sistêmica. No que diz respeito aos ácidos graxos poli-insaturados, foi observado, a partir da revisão sistemática realizada, que o leite maduro de mulheres com excesso de peso tem um conteúdo pró-inflamatório maior comparado ao leite de mulheres com peso adequado. Já em relação à construção do modelo causal entre o excesso de peso pré-gestacional e a razão de ômega-6 para ômega-3 no leite humano, o gráfico acíclico direcionado proposto conduziu um conjunto mínimo de variáveis ((condições socioeconômicas (raça, escolaridade, renda), o intervalo interpartal, a idade materna e o padrão de consumo alimentar) para ajustar a fim de estimar o efeito total entre exposição e desfecho. É importante ressaltar que mesmo que alguns fatores maternos possam ocasionar modificações nutricionais no leite humano, o aleitamento materno deve ser estimulado e fortemente encorajado exclusivamente até o 6º mês de vida do recém-nascido e complementado até os dois anos ou mais. Espera-se que, com os resultados desse estudo, os principais fatores associados à composição nutricional do leite humano sejam considerados na prática clínica dos profissionais de saúde. Além disso, é importante pontuar a importância do acompanhamento da mulher antes da concepção e na incorporação de cuidados pré-natais o mais precocemente possível na gestação, com o objetivo de reduzir os desfechos obstétricos desfavoráveis, favorecendo o crescimento e desenvolvimento infantil adequado com repercussões ao longo de todo o ciclo vital.

Association of Nutrient Intakes with Cognitive Function in Koreans Aged 50 years and Older

This study attempted to investigate whether nutrient and food intake were related with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in adults and elderly over 50 years of age in Korea. Questionnaires and anthropometric measurements were conducted on general aspects of the research, and food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) were conducted to determine nutritional status. The relative theta power (RTP) through electroencephalography (EEG) measurements, neurocognitive function test (NFT; CNS Vital Signs), and cognitive function was measured. The MCI group consumed significantly lower C18:4, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) among the N-3 fatty acids, N-6 fatty acids dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA), mono unsaturated fatty acids, C22:1, biotin, vitamin D in the nutrients, and sweet potato (12.35g/day, p = 0.015), mackerel (3.38g/day, p = 0.017), mandarin orange (p = 0.016), persimmon (p = 0.013) and apple (p = 0.023) in the food than the normal group did. And the MCI group consumed salted fish (3.14g/day, p = 0.041) and ice-cream (5.01g/day, p = 0.050) at a significantly higher level. Delayed verbal score, delayed visual score, and verbal memory score of the NFT and RTP values of the prefrontal cortex among the EEGs were significantly lower in the MCI group compared to those in the normal group. From this study, we found that nutrient and food intake are closely related to MCI in Korean aged 50 years and older, but more human studies are needed to verify these findings.

Dietary intake of fat and fatty acids by 1–5-year-old children in Korea: a cross-sectional study based on data from the sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: We examined dietary fat intake and the major food sources by young children in Korea. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 1,041 children aged 1–5 years were identified from the 2013–2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Data on total fat and fatty acid intake were obtained by a single 24-h dietary recall. Food sources were identified based on the amounts of total fat and fatty acids consumption according to each food. Fat and fatty acid intakes and their food sources were presented by age group (1–2-y, n = 401; 3–5-y, n = 640). Fat and fatty acid intakes were also evaluated according to socioeconomic characteristics. RESULTS: The mean intake of fat was 27.1 ± 0.8 g in the 1-2-y group and 35.5 ± 0.7 g in the 3-5-y group, and about 23% of the total energy was obtained from fat in both age groups. The mean intake of saturated fatty acids (SFA) was 10.5 ± 0.3 g in the 1-2-y group and 12.7 ± 0.3 g in the 3-5-y group, with the 1-2-y group obtaining more energy from SFA than the 3-5-y group (9.2% vs. 8.3%). The mean intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was 6.3 ± 0.1 g in the total subjects, with 0.8 ± 0.03 g of n-3 fatty acids and 5.5 ± 0.1 g of n-6 fatty acids being consumed. Milk, pork, and eggs were major food sources of total fat, SFA, and monounsaturated fatty acids, and soybean oil was the main contributor to PUFA in both age groups. In the 1-2-y group, children in rural areas had significantly higher intake of PUFA and n-3 fatty acids than did those in urban areas. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide current information on dietary fat intake among young Korean children and could be used to establish dietary strategies for improvement of health status.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 salivary fatty acids as markers of dietary fat quality: a cross-sectional study in Argentina

The use of saliva for analyzing biological compounds has recently been expanded. The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between specific dietary sources of n3 and n6 fatty acids (FA) and their salivary levels to evaluate their role as intake markers. Seventynine healthy volunteers were included. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used for data collection and Interfood v.1.3 software was employed to quantify food intake. Salivary samples were collected following international standards and FA profile was determined by gas liquidchromatography. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed for dependent variables (salivary FA profile) to detect independent associations with n3 and n6 FA food source intake, adjusted by age, gender, bodymass index, total energy intake, regular exercise, alcohol intake and smoking. Salivary concentrations of alphalinolenic acid (ALA) 18:3 n3 were significantly associated with nuts intake (ß=0.05, 95% CI 0.020.07, p=0.04). Salivary concentrations of linoleic acid (LA) 18:2 n6 and arachidonic acid (AA) 20:4 n6 were associated with the intake of n6 vegetable oils and red meat, cold meat and viscera (ß=0.80, 95% CI 0.060.09 p=0.03; ß=0.40, 95% CI 0.300.50, p=0.02, respectively). This study supports the hypothesis that salivary concentrations of n3 and n6 FA are related to food intake. Monitoring dietary FA though salivary markers is relevant for nutrition epidemiology and for prevention and management of several diseases related to fat intake (AU)

El uso de biomarcadores salivales está en continua expansión. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la asociación entre fuentes alimentarias de ácidos grasos (AG) n3 y n6 y sus concentraciones salivales como marcador de ingesta. Parti ci paron 79 voluntarios sanos. Se aplicó un cuestionario validado de frecuencia de consumo alimentario y el software Interfood v.1.3 para su procesa miento. Las muestras saliva les se recogieron según estándares internacionales y se determinó el perfil de AG salivales por cromatografía gaseosa. Se desarrolló un modelo de regresión lineal múltiple ajustado por sexo, edad, índice de masa corporal, valor energético total, actividad física, consumo de tabaco y alcohol para analizar la asociación entre el perfil de AG salivales y la ingesta de alimentos fuente de AG n3 y n6. Las concentraciones salivales del AG alfalinolénico (ALA) 18:3 n3 se asociaron positivamente con la ingesta de nueces (ß=0.05, IC 95% 0.020.07, p=0.04), mientras que las concentraciones salivales de ácido linoleico (AL) 18:2 n6 y araquidónico (AA) 20:4 n6 se asociaron con el consumo de aceites ricos en n6 (ß=0.80, 95% IC 0.060.09 p=0.03) y de carnes rojas, fiambres y embutidos y vísceras, (ß=0.40, IC 95% 0.300.50, p=0.02). De acuerdo a estos resultados, las concen traciones salivales de AG n3 y n6 se relacionan a la ingesta de sus alimentos fuente. El monitoreo de la ingesta lipídica a través de biomarcadores salivales constituye un aporte a la epidemiología nutricional y a la prevención y tratamiento de patologías vinculadas a la ingesta de grasas (AU)

Insufficient intake of alpha-linolenic fatty acid (18:3n-3) during pregnancy: and associated factors / Ingestão insuficiente de ácido graxo alfa-linolênico (18:3n-3) durante a gestação: e fatores associados

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze alpha-linolenic fatty acid intake in two cohorts of pregnant women, and to identify factors associated with alpha-linolenic acid intake. Methods: This is a cohort study involving pregnant women with low obstetric risk (N=353) in public health system from a municipality of São Paulo state, Brazil. In each trimester, two 24-hour food recalls were collected. Descriptive analyses of dietary lipid profiles were performed, followed by a multiple comparison test. According to the trimester of pregnancy, differences were assessed using the mean difference test. To evaluate the adequacy of linoleic fatty acid and alpha-linolenic acid intake, the adequate intake test was used. The association between alpha-linolenic acid intake adequacy and maternal characteristics was investigated using a binary logistic regression model. Results: Total lipids intake and the percentage contribution to dietary energy met recommended levels. One-third of the diets demonstrated a lower than daily recommended intake of alpha-linolenic acid. Overweight pregnant women were twice as likely to have inadequate alpha-linolenic acid intake. Pregnant women from a more disadvantaged socioeconomic situation had greater risks of inadequate intake. Conclusion: Over-intake of lipids is not problematic, but quality is an issue, with one third of the pregnant women and their fetuses exposed to adverse effects due to low intake of omega-3 fatty acids, indicating important nutritional vulnerability in this population.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a ingestão ácidos graxos alfa-linolênico e identificar fatores associados à ingestão inadequada em duas coortes de gestantes acompanhadas trimestralmente. Métodos: Estudo de coorte com gestantes de baixo risco obstétrico (N=353) representativas das usuárias da rede pública de saúde de um município paulista. Nos três trimestres gestacionais foram coletados dois recordatórios alimentares de 24 horas. Análises descritivas do perfil lipídico da dieta foram processadas seguidas do teste de comparações múltiplas. As diferenças, segundo trimestre gestacional, foram avaliadas pelo teste de diferença de médias. Para avaliação da adequação do consumo foi utilizada a ingestão recomendável. A associação entre a adequação da ingestão de ácido alfa-linolênico e características maternas foi investigada por meio de modelo de regressão logística binária. Resultados: A contribuição percentual de lipídeos totais mostrou-se adequada;1/3 das gestantes não alcançou a recomendação de ingestão diária de ácido alfa-linolênico. Gestantes com excesso de peso apresentam o dobro de chances de consumo inadequado de ácido alfa-linolênico. Comparadas às gestantes das classes D/E, as pertencentes a classe C têm menores chances de consumo inadequado. Conclusão: Não há um problema de excesso de consumo de lipídeos e sim da qualidade destes, cerca de 1/3 das gestantes acompanhadas e seus conceptos estão expostos aos efeitos adversos do baixo consumo de ácidos graxos de cadeia ômega-3 na gestação, indicando importante vulnerabilidade nutricional nessa população.

Comparative analysis of dietary behavior and nutrient intake of elderly in urban and rural areas for development of “Village Lunch Table” program: Based on 2014 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: We conducted comparative analysis of dietary behavior and food and nutrient intakes of Korean elderly in urban and rural areas using the 2014 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). METHODS: This study was conducted on 1,239 participants (urban elderly: 867, rural elderly: 372) aged 65 years and over who participated in the health examination and nutrition survey in the 6th 2014 KNHANES. Dietary behaviors, including skipping meals, eating out frequencies, and food and nutrient intakes were analyzed using 24-hour recall data. Analysis of complex sample design data through SPSS 19.0 was used for the analysis. RESULTS: The rate of skipping dinner was higher in urban (6.5%) than in rural elderly (3.6%) (p < 0.05), and the frequency of eating out per week of urban elderly (1.73) was higher than that of rural elderly (1.35) (p < 0.001). The rural elderly consumed a greater amount of grain compared to urban elderly, whereas consumption of water, seaweed food, and dairy products was lower in rural than in urban areas (p < 0.05). The rural elderly consumed significantly less highly unsaturated fatty acids, n-6 fatty acids, phosphorus, iron, vitamin A, carotene, niacin, and vitamin C in comparison with elderly in urban areas. Comparison of the percentages of Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans (KDRIs) between the two groups showed that intakes of vitamin A and vitamin C were significantly lower in the rural elderly than in urban elderly. CONCLUSION: The elderly in rural areas showed unbalanced food and nutrient intakes compared to the elderly in urban areas. Therefore, customized nutrition education according to residential areas should be developed and provided to rural elderly to improve their health and nutritional status.

Effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids ω-3 and ω-6 on angiogenesis formation in human gastric cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ω-3 and ω-6, and their middle metabolites PGE2 and PGE3 on angiogenesis formation of gastric cancer, and to explore associated mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The effects of ω-3, ω-6, PGE2, PGE3 on the proliferation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) were measured by proliferation and migration assay respectively. The angiogenesis assay in vivo was used to measure the effects of ω-3, ω-6, PGE2 and PGE3 on neovascularization. In all the assays, groups without ω-3, ω-6, PGE2 and PGE3 were designed as the control.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>With the increased concentration of ω-6 from 1 μmol/L to 10 μmol/L, the proliferation ability of HUVECs enhanced, and the number of migration cells also increased from 28.2±3.0 to 32.8±2.1, which was higher than control group (21.2±3.2) respectively (both P<0.05). With the increased concentration of ω-3 from 1 μmol/L to 10 μmol/L, the proliferation ability of HUVECs was inhibited, and the number of migration cells decreased from 15.8±2.0 to 11.0±2.1, which was lower than control group (22.1±3.0) respectively (both P<0.05). In the angiogenesis assay, compared with control group (standard number: 43 721±4 654), the angiogenesis ability of HUVECs was significantly enhanced by ω-6 in concentration-dependent manner (1 μmol/L group: 63 238±4 795, 10 μmol/L group: 78 166±6 123, all P<0.01). Meanwhile, with the increased concentration of ω-3 from 1 μmol/L to 10 μmol/L, the angiogenesis ability was significantly decreased from 30 129±3 102 to 20 012±1 541(all P<0.01). The proliferation and migration ability of HUVECs were significantly promoted by ω-6 metabolites PGE2 (P<0.05) in a concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, ω-3 metabolites PGE3 significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration ability of HUVECs in a concentration-dependent manner (all P<0.05). After rofecoxib (a COX-2 specific inhibitor) inhibited the expression of COX-2, the expression level of PGE2 was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner. In co-culture system, whose gastric cancer cells expressed positive COX-2, ω-6 could increase angiogenesis of gastric cancer cells(P<0.01), but ω-3 could inhibit such angiogenesis(P<0.01). In co-culture system, whose gastric cancer cells did not express COX-2, ω-3 could inhibit the angiogenesis of gastric cancer cells (P<0.05), but ω-6 had no effect on angiogenesis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The PUFA ω-6 can enhance the angiogenesis via the promotion of proliferation and migration of HUVECs, and COX-2 and PGE2 may play an important role in this process, whereas, the ω-3 can inhibit the angiogenesis through its middle metabolites PGE3 to inhibit the proliferation and migration of HUVECs. Results of this experiment may provide a new approach to inhibit and prevent the spread of gastric cancer.</p>

Dietary inflammatory index is associated with serum C-reactive protein and protein energy wasting in hemodialysis patients: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Malnutrition and inflammation are reported as the most powerful predictors of mortality and morbidity in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Diet has a key role in modulating inflammation and dietary inflammatory index (DII) is a new tool for assessment of inflammatory potential of diet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of DII on dietary intake of HD patients and examine the associations between DII and malnutrition-inflammation markers. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 105 subjects were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Anthropometric measurements, 3-day dietary recall, and pre-dialysis biochemical parameters were recorded for each subject. Subjective global assessment (SGA), which was previously validated for HD patients, and malnutrition inflammation score (MIS) were used for the diagnosis of protein energy wasting. DII was calculated according to average of 3-day dietary recall data. RESULTS: DII showed significant correlation with reliable malnutrition and inflammation indicators including SGA (r = 0.28, P < 0.01), MIS (r = 0.28, P < 0.01), and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) (r = 0.35, P < 0.001) in HD patients. When the study population was divided into three subgroups according to their DII score, significant increasing trends across the tertiles of DII were observed for SGA score (P = 0.035), serum CRP (P = 0.001), dietary energy (P < 0.001), total fat (P < 0.001), saturated fatty acids (P < 0.001), polyunsaturated fatty acids (P = 0.006), and omega-6 fatty acids (P = 0.01) intakes. CONCLUSION: This study shows that DII is a good tool for assessing the overall inflammatory potential of diet in HD patients.

Relación de ácidos grasos omega 6/omega 3 / Omega 6/omega 3 fatty acid ratio

La relación de ácidos grasos (AG)ω6/ω3 de la dieta contemporánea favorece a los AG ω6. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el efecto de dietas con cantidades crecientes de aceite de pescado (AcP), rico en AG ω3, sobre el crecimiento y las variables hematológicas de ratas macho recien destetadas de la cepa Sprague-Dawley. Los animales consumieron por un período de 31 días dietas que contenían AcP o aceite de ajonjolí (AcA) incorporado a 5, 10 ó 15% (pxp). Se observó un déficit del crecimiento como de la ingesta de alimento en los grupos que consumieron AcP. La concentración de hemoglobina (Hb) disminuyó en relación al incremento (>5% pxp) del AcP dietario. Siendo el AcP una fuente pobre de AG ω6, planteamos que la deficiencia parcial de la serie polienoica ω6 que resultó al incrementar las cantidades de AcP dietario pueden afectar el crecimiento y la eritropoyesis(AU)

The ω6/ω3 fatty acid (FA) ratio of our contemporary diet favors ω6 over ω3 FA. The object of the study was to evaluate the effect of increasing amounts of dietary fish oil, rich in ω3 FA, on growth and hematological variables of the weanling male Sprague-Dawley rat. Animals were fed diets containing either fish oil (FO) or sesame oil (SO) at 5, 10 or 15% (w/w) for 31 d. Growth retardation and reduced food intake was observed in groups fed FO. Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration diminished when the dietary FO was above 5% (w/w). FO is a poor source of ω6 fatty acids. We postulate that a partial deficiency in ω6 polyenic family, is a consequence of the increasing amounts of FO in the diets, that may affect growth and erytropoiesis. In this report we show evidence supporting the hypothesis that diets enriched with fish oil can alter normal growth and induced hematological changes in the male weanling rat(AU)

Ácidos graxos essenciais ômega-3 e ômega-6 no leite materno e sua associação com o desenvolvimento infantil: revisão de literatura / Omega-3, omega-6 essential fatty acids and its association with child development: a literature review

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar os benefícios que os ácidos graxos essenciais ômega-3 e ômega-6, presentes no leite materno, podem trazer para o desenvolvimento infantil. Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática nas bases de dados PUBMED e BIREME entre 2009 a 2013, utilizando os termos: "Ácidos Graxos Ômega-3", "Ácidos Graxos Ômega-6" e "breast feeding". Foram selecionados 29 artigos, onde apenas 8 permaneceram após leitura dos mesmos na integra, excluindo artigos de revisão, de nota técnica, sem associação entre mãe-filho, assuntos não relacionados com o desenvolvimento infantil e com metodologia baseada em entrevista ou aplicação de questionário. Os principais resultados encontrados pelos autores foram à ingestão destes ácidos durante a gestação como influência no desenvolvimento neurológico, visual e físico do lactente; a ocorrência de variações dos ácidos graxos essenciais, no leite humano, obtidos em diferentes idades gestacionais e estágios de lactação; a elevação nos níveis de ômega-3 e ômega-6, respectivamente, em crianças amamentadas exclusivamente e em crianças alimentadas com fórmulas suplementadas. A associação da ingesta adequada dos ácidos graxos essenciais, ômega-3 e 6, durante os períodos de gestação e lactação com o desenvolvimento infantil a longo prazo foi observada na maioria dos estudos.(AU)

This work aims to study the benefits that omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, present in breast milk, can bring to a child's development. This is a systematic review that national and international publications were assess in PUBMED and BIREME data from 2009 to 2013 using the terms: "Fatty Acids Omega3", "Fatty Acids Omega-6" and "breast feeding". A total of 29 articles were selected, where only 8 remained the after been read in full, excluding review articles, technical notes, the ones with no association between parent­child, with issues not related to child development and the ones based on an interview or a questionnaire methodology. The main results found by the authors were the intake of these acids during pregnancy as an influence on neurological, visual and physical development of infants; variations occurrence of essential fatty acids in human milk obtained at different gestational ages and stages of lactation, the increased levels of omega-3 and omega-6, respectively, in infants exclusively breastfed and formula-fed. The association of adequate intake of essential fatty acids omega-3 and 6 during the periods of pregnancy and lactation with the child long-term development was observed in most studies.(AU)

High omega-3: omega-6 fatty acids ratio increases fatty acid binding protein 4 and extracellular secretory phospholipase A2IIa in human ectopic endometrial cells

Endometriosis, a common chronic inflammatory disorder, is defined by the atypical growth of endometrium- like tissue outside of the uterus. Secretory phospholipase A2 group Ha [sPLA2-IIa] and fatty acid binding protein4 [FABP4] play several important roles in the inflammatory diseases, Due to reported potential anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFAs] on fatty acid binding protein 4 and extracellular secretory phospholipase A2IIa in cultured endometrial cells. Ectopic and eutopic endometrial tissues obtained from 15 women were snap frozen. After thawing and tissue digestion, primary mixed stromal f and endometrial epithelial cell culture was performed for 8 days in culture mediums supplemented with normal and high ratios of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFA. sPLA2-IIa in the J culture medium and FABP4 level was determined using enzyme immuno assay [EIA] technique. Within ectopic endometrial cells group, the level of cellular FABP4 and extracellular sPLA2-IIa were remarkably increased under high omega-3 PUFA exposure compared with control condition [p=0.014 and p=0.04 respectively]. Omega-3 PUFAs may increase the level of cellular FABP4 and extracellular sPLA2-IIa in ectopic endometrial cells, since sPLAIIa and FABP4 may affect endometriosis via several mechanisms, more relevant studies are encouraged to know the potential effect of increased cellular FABP4 and extracellular sPLA2-IIa on endometriosis

Flaxseed - a miraculous defense against some critical maladies

Presence of omega-3, omega-6 rich oil, alpha-linoleic acid, dietary fibers, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, protein and minerals in flaxseed constitute a very strong basis for the utilization of flaxseed in various food preparations as a curative agent. An extensive body of literature illustrates that flaxseed has gained a significant position in the domain of nutritional sciences owing to its pivotal role as an antioxidant agent. The review discusses at length, numerous health benefits of flaxseed typically focusing its preventive role against cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and enhancement of spatial memory. Massive increase .in the size of population with a special emphasize to the developing countries, there is an urge for exploration of the alternative dietary resources that can meet the dietary and nutritional needs of forthcoming generations. With respect to its remarkable nutritional importance, the review in question enables researchers engaged in nutritional sciences to further investigate the therapeutic value of flaxseed functional components and their dietary application in various food products and availability in processed foods as well as in the human cell line

Ácidos grasos en chocolates venezolanos y sus análogos / Fatty acids in venezuelan chocolate and its analogues

El objetivo fue estudiar el contenido de grasa y ácidos grasos (AG) en chocolates de mayor consumo en Venezuela y sus análogos. Se analizaron productos terminados y materias primas, y se identificó y cuantificó los AG, previamente metilados, por cromatografía gaseosa. Se detectaron 25 AG diferentes, y se obtuvo alta variabilidad en el contenido de los saturados, monoinsaturados y poliinsaturados. Los AG con insaturaciones son: AG omega-9, AG omega-6, y C18:1 trans-9-cis11 (CLA). Los AG trans resultaron inferiores a los límites establecidos por la FAO, FDA y Food Standard Agency, siendo los más bajos en chocolates cuya base lipídica está constituida principalmente por manteca de cacao, con el siguiente perfil AG: C16:0, C18:0, C18:1c, C18:2c y C20:0; y los análogos de chocolate con mayores niveles de trans (≤1.6%), donde la manteca vegetal parcialmente hidrogenada forma parte de la porción grasa de la matriz. El aporte calórico de la grasa en la dieta fue de 8,55 a 144 Kcal, con aportes en saturados de 5,46 a 110 Kcal y en AGT de 0 a 0,8 Kcal. Se concluye que los chocolates y análogos tienen alta variabilidad en su composición grasa, contienen AG omegas 6 y 9, alto contenido en saturados, y muy bajo en AGT, considerándose "cero trans" de acuerdo a MERCOSUR; contribuyendo este estudio con la creación de una base de datos nacional sobre la composición de ácidos grasos en estos productos de alto consumo en el país(AU)

The objective of this research was to study the fat content and fatty acids (AG) in chocolate and analogs most consumed in Venezuela. The identification and quantification of AG was analyzed by gas chromatography after methylation. Twenty five different AG were detected, obtaining a high variability in saturated, and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. The AG unsaturations are: omega-9, omega-6 and C18: 1trans-9-cis11 (CLA). The trans fatty acids were below limits established by FAO, FDA and Food Standard Agency, the lowest in lipid-based chocolates which consist mainly in cocoa butter, with the following lipid profile FA C16: 0, C18: 0, C18:1c, C18:2c and C20: 0, and chocolate analogues with higher levels of trans (≤ 1.6%), where the partially hydrogenated vegetable oil is part of the fat portion of the matrix. The caloric intake of fat in the diet was 8.55 to 144 Kcal, with contributions in saturated from 5.46 to 110 Kcal and TFA from 0 to 0.8 kcal. It is conclude that chocolate and analogs have high variability in their composition fat, containing AG omegas 6 and 9, high insaturated and very low in AGT, considered "zero trans" according to MERCOSUR. This study contributes to the creation of a national database on the composition of fatty acids in these products of high consumption in the country(AU)

Relationship of dietary intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids with risk of prostate cancer development: A meta-analyis of cohort studies

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between dietary omega-3 fatty acid(n-3PUFA) and omega-6 fatty acids (n-6PUFA) with prostate cancer risk from a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. DESIGN: Cohort studies that investigated the relationship of dietary omega fatty acids and prostate cancer risk were retrieved from MEDLINE, Unbound MEDLINE, EMBASE, OVID, Cochrane Library and Science direct up to June 2011, and were critically appraised using Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment for cohorts. General variance-based method was used to the pool the effect estimates at 95% confidence interval. Heterogeneity was assessed by chi square and quantified by I2. RESULTS: Eight cohort studies were included for meta-analysis. n-3PUFA, n-6PUFA and their derivatives were not significantly associated with risk of prostate cancer in general. A significant heterogeneity (P=0.023,I2=63%) between studies was noted. After inter-study variability adjustment was done, repeat analysis showed a significant negative association between high dietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid(ALA) and prostate cancer risk (pooled RR:0.915;95% CL:0.849, 0.985;P=0.019) Likewise, a slightly positive association was noted on dietary long chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA+DHA) and prostate cancer risk (pooled RR: 1.135; 95% CI:1.008, 1.278 P=0.036), however when two other cohort studies with data of EPA and DHA both analyzed separately was included into the pool, the association became not significant (RR=1.034;95%CI:0.973,1.096;P=0.2780). CONCLUSION: The intake of n-3PUFA and n-6PUFA does not significantly affect the risk of prostate cancer. High intake of ALA may reduce risk of prostate cancer, while intake of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids does not have a significant effect.

Beneficial effect of fish oil on bone mineral density and biomarkers of bone metabolism in rats

This study evaluated the effect of fish oil rich in n-3 fatty acids on bone characteristics in Sprague-Dawley rats. Weanling male rats were randomized to receive either a diet containing high fish oil (FO), fish oil blended with corn oil (FICO), or soy oil rich in n-6 fatty acids (SO) for 4 weeks. All diets provided 70 g/kg fat based on the AIN-93G diet. Growth and biomarkers of bone metabolism were analyzed, and femur bone characteristics were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. After the dietary treatment, no significant differences among the diet groups were observed for serum concentrations of Ca, parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, or osteocalcin. Alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly greater in FO-fed rats compared to that in the FICO and SO groups, whereas no difference in deoxypyridinoline values was observed, supporting the positive effect of a FO diet on bone formation. These results were accompanied by a significant increase in femur bone mineral density (BMD) in FO-fed rats. These findings suggest that providing fish oil rich in n-3 fatty acids correlates with higher alkaline phosphatase activity and BMD values, favoring bone formation in growing rats.

Evaluation of the relationship between endometriosis and omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Endometriosis is a common chronic inflammation causing major problems including infertility. The role of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as their potential anti-inflammatory effects in endometriosis needs to be further explored. The objective of this study was to compare serum phospholipid fatty acid profile in endometriosis patients with controls, and to explore the correlation of this profile with the severity of the disease. Sixty-four endometriosis patients and 74 control women, in reproductive age, participated in this study. Among the endometriosis patients, 19 cases were in stage I, 27 cases in stage II, 8 cases in stage III, and 10 cases in stage IV. Each patient underwent laparoscopy. Before surgery, 5 ml of blood was obtained. After extraction of the total lipids, serum total phospholipid fraction was isolated by thin layer chromatography. Fatty acid composition of the phospholipid fraction was determined by gas chromatography and the resulted profile was compared in endometriosis patients and controls. The profile was also compared in the endometriosis group based on the severity of disease. Stearic acid was significantly lower in the endometriosis group as compared to controls [P= 0.030]. No other fatty acid compositions were significantly different between patients and controls. Serum ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] to arachidonic acid [AA] was in reasonable correlation with the severity of endometriosis [r = 0.34, P = 0.006]. According to these findings, levels of fatty acids in serum total phospholipids seem not to be a marker for endometriosis, but the EPA to AA ratio was a relevant factor indicating severity of illness

Effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids on secretory phospholipase A2 type IIa in ectopic endometrial cells

Endometriosis is a common chronic inflammation which leads to infertility and chronic pelvic pain in affected women. Secretory phospholipase A2 type IIa [sPLA2IIa] is an acute phase reactant that is markedly increased in inflammatory disorders. To assess the effects of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFAs] administration in endometrial cells culture on sPLA2IIa level and cell survival comparing homolog ectopic versus eutopic endometrial cells from endometriosis patients. In this experimental study, ectopic and eutopic endometrial tissue samples obtained from 15 endometriosis patients were immediately frozen. After thawing and tissue digestion, mixed stromal and endometrial gland cells were cultured for 8 days in three different culture media; balanced omega-3/omega-6, high omega-3 and high omega-6 PUFAs ratio. Cell survival was measured using 2, 3-bis [2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl]-5-[phenylamino] carbonyl-2H- tetrazolium hydroxide [XTT] method and sPLA2IIa level assessed with ELISA technique. The sPLA2IIa level was significantly higher in the ectopic endometrial cell culture compared to the eutopic group for each of the three matched treatments [balanced, high omega-3 and high omega-6]. Also the sPLA2IIa level in the ectopic endometrial cell group was remarkably increased by each of the three PUFAs treatments compared to control condition [p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.05 respectively]. Cell survival in the eutopic group was significantly decreased by high omega-6 culturing compared to control medium [p<0.05]. The increase in sPLA2IIa level in ectopic endometrial cells by fatty acid treatments [especially high omega-3], strengthens the hypothesis that PUFAs stimulate secretion of cytokines leading to increased sPLA2IIa level

Omega-3 and Menopause / 대한폐경학회지

Menopause is a turning point in women that is based on the sex hormone change. Many women are very conscious about the postmenopausal period. After menopause, women complain about vasomotor symptoms, night sweat, psychological problems, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and urogenital symptoms. Nowadays, food and alternative treatment for postmenopausal symptoms are introduced. The average life span is now increasing, and postmenopausal care is important for public health. Long chain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are known as essential fatty acids, however, all mammals, including humans, should obtain them from their diet. Omega-3 fatty acids have emerged as an adjuvant and alternative source for relieving postmenopusal complains or disease. Among alternative treatment or food behavior change for postmenopusal symptoms, we will review the current issues on the relationship between the role and the effect of omega-3 fatty acids in relieving postmenopausal symptoms.

[Possibility of the functional oil production from flax [omega-3] and safflower [omega-6] seeds and evaluation of its physico-chemical properties during 4 months storage]

Although the importance of omega -3 and omega-6 essential fatty acid has been known but functional and physiological properties of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid are different. The balance use of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid is more important because in vivo can't make them. Possibility production of the functional oil from vegetable sources such as flaxseed [containing omega-3] and safflower [containing omega-6] oils including extraction, formulation and preservation. After extraction of the oils from flaxseed and safflower, physicochemical properties of the oils were examined and the product underwent the fractionation process in order to increase the omega-3 ratio. Then, functional oil was formulated using a 1:1 mixture of omega-3 and omega-6. Storage conditions and stability of the oil were also investigated for four months [0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 months] by studying peroxide, thiobarbituric acid and Rancimat indexes. Results: Results showed that the omega-3 ratio may be increased from 50.19 to 52.59% [p<0.05] through fractionation. During the storage of the functional oil in the four months, the peroxide index increased from zero to 100.43 and 4.99 [meq O[2] /k oil], the thiobarbituric acid index also increased from zero to 4.99 and 0.026 [malondialdehyde mg /k oil], and the Rancimat index decreased from 2.10 to 0.33 and from 2.10 to 1.35 [p<0.05] in the refrigerator and freezer, respectively. With the fractionation process can increase the amount of omega-3 fatty acid about 4/78 percent [p<0.05]. Diagnostic examination showed that during the storage of the functional oil peroxide value of oil were under standard, so recommended using refrigerator in order to preserve functional oils

Effectiveness of the use of an omega 3 and omega 6 combination(EquazenTM) in paediatric patients with refractory epilepsy / Eficácia do uso de uma combinação de ômega 3 com ômega 6 (EquazenTM) em pacientes pediátricos com epilepsia refratária

INTRODUCTION: Epilepsy is considered a health problem. 85% of patients are satisfactorily controlled with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and 15% have refractory seizures. The combination of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids (EquazenTM) can contribute to changes in ionic currents and to stabilization of neurotransmitter's function resulting in cell membrane equilibrium. These changes lead to potential seizure control. OBJECTIVE: To compare efficacy and safety in the treatment of refractory epilepsy with a supplement combining EPA, DHA (omega 3 fatty acids) and GLA (omega 6 fatty acids). METHODS: We reviewed patients from the Neurology Department of the Children's Hospital of Mexico who have refractory epilepsy, evaluating clinical characteristics of seizures, number of seizures and AEDs. 792 mg of EPA, DHA and GLA per day (6 capsules of EquazenTM) were administrated for four weeks in order to assess the frequency of seizures as well as tolerability and probable side effects. RESULTS: The study was conducted with a total of 13 patients with follow-up four weeks after the start of supplementation. We obtained a satisfactory clinical response with ≥ 80% decrease in the daily number of seizures in more than 60% of patient. The mean of number of seizures over all patients was reduced significantly from 26.61±37.2 to 5.92 daily. In addition a significant improvement in the neurocognitive capacity was observedin all patients. CONCLUSION: The co-adjuvant supplementation with EquazenTM may result in a reduction of the number of seizures in refractory epilepsy having in addition significant impact on neurocognitive aspects. To enhance the quality of life of epileptic patient supplementation with a specific combination of EPA, DHA and GLA should be reconsidered.

INTRODUÇÃO: epilepsia é considerada um problema de saúde em que 85% dos pacientes são satisfatoriamente controlados com drogas antiepilépticas (DAE) e 15% tem crises refratárias. A combinação de ácidos graxos ômega 3 e ômega 6 (EquazenTM) pode contribui em mudanças em correntes iônicas e estabilização de neurotransmissores, resultando em equilíbrio da membrana celular. Estas mudanças levam a potencial controle de crises. OBJETIVO: comparar a eficácia e segurança suplementos combinando EPA, DHA (ácidos graxos ômega 3) e GLA (ácidos graxos ômega 6) no tratamento da epilepsia refrataria. MÉTODOS: crianças com epilepsia refratária do Departamento de Neurologia do Hospital Infantil do México tiveram avaliadas as características de suas crises, frequência e numero de DAEs. EPA, DHA e GLA (6 capsulas de Equazem - 729mg) foram administrados em um período de 4 semanas, sendo acessados tolerabilidade, efeitos colaterais e frequência de crises. RESULTADOS: 13 pacientes foram avaliados por 4 semanas após o início da suplementação. Um controle clínico satisfatório (redução de 80% ou mais das crises) foi obtido em 60% dos pacientes (26.61±37.2 crises para 5.92 crises ao dia), além de significativa melhora em sua capacidade neurocognitiva. CONCLUSÃO: a suplementação de Equazen pode determinar redução no número de crises em epilepsia refratária e determinar melhora em parâmetros neurocognitivos. O uso da combinação EPA, DHA, GLA deveria ser reconsiderado neste cenário.