Low DHA and plasmalogens associated with a precise PUFA-rich diet devoid of DHA

• Published in: Clinical biochemistry 2010-11, Vol.43 (16), p.1305-1308
• Main Authors: Glick, Norris R., Fischer, Milton H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Adult and adolescent clinical studies; Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Developmental disabilities; Diet; Docosahexaenoic acid; Docosahexaenoic Acids - blood; Fatty acids; Female; Gastrostomy feedings; Humans; Intellectual deficiency; Male; Medical sciences; Mental retardation; Middle Aged; Phospholipids - blood; Plasmalogens; Plasmalogens - blood; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry
• ISSN: 0009-9120; 1873-2933
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2010.08.021

Fatty acids, being multi-functional and partially diet-dependent, are crucial for health yet optimal dietary composition remains controversial. Previous work suggests that nutritionally-dependent populations live with significant fatty acid abnormalities despite abundant polyunsaturated fatty acid intake. An analysis of fasting plasma phospholipids, including plasmalogens, and total fatty acids was conducted on twelve tube-fed people receiving a uniform diet which meets current polyunsaturated fatty acid intake recommendations, specifically, linoleic acid as 8.1% of energy and alpha-linolenic acid as 1.3% of energy for at least two years. Eicosapentaenoic- and docosahexaenoic acid-related phospholipids were low. In addition, C16:0- and C18:0-related plasmalogens, components of phospholipids, were low. Essential fatty acid deficiency as classically defined was not present. Based upon extensive clinical investigations in neuro-typical people, abnormalities of these key cell-membrane components may have undesirable clinical consequences. In particular, docosahexaenoic acid sufficiency needs to be assured. Comprehensive re-evaluation of current recommendations may be necessary.