The effect of altering the 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 content of a meal on the postprandial incorporation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids into plasma triacylglycerol and non-esterified fatty acids in humans

Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2007 Jul;77(1):59-65. doi: 10.1016/j.plefa.2007.06.003. Epub 2007 Aug 10.

Abstract

Previous studies suggest that consuming meals containing large amounts of fish oil is associated with selective postprandial incorporation of 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 into plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA). We investigated the effect of consuming meals containing different amounts of 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 comparable to dietary habits of western populations on the postprandial incorporation of 18:3n-3, 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 into plasma triacylglycerol (TAG) and NEFA over 6h in middle aged subjects. 20:5n-3 incorporation into plasma TAG was greater than 22:6n-3 irrespective of the test meal. Conversely, 22:6n-3 incorporation into plasma NEFA was greater than 20:5n-3, irrespective of the test meal. There was no effect of the amount of 20:5n-3+22:6n-3 in the test meal on the 18:3n-3 incorporation into plasma TAG or NEFA. These findings suggest differential metabolism of 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 in the postprandial period when consumed in amounts typical of western dietary habits.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / administration & dosage*
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / analysis
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / administration & dosage*
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / analysis
  • Fatty Acids, Nonesterified / blood*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postprandial Period / physiology*
  • Sex Factors
  • Time Factors
  • Triglycerides / blood*

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Nonesterified
  • Triglycerides
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid