Three-year tracking of fatty acid composition of plasma phospholipids in healthy children

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.