Alpha-linolenic acid deficiency in man: effect of ethyl linolenate on plasma and erythrocyte fatty acid composition and biosynthesis of prostanoids.

Abstract

Treatment of human alpha-linolenic acid deficiency (ALAD) with ethyl linolenate is reported. The patient's scaly dermatitis nearly disappeared after 5-d supplementation with 0.1 mL ethyl linolenate. Pretreatment content of various n-3 fatty acids in RBC was 0-15% of healthy controls. After 14 d of supplementation, cholesterol and triglycerides were reduced by 70% of pretreatment values, 22:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 increased three- to fourfold while 18:3n-3 and 20:5n-3 remained low, indicating a rapid elongation and desaturation of 18:3n-3 in ALAD. Urinary excretion of PGI2-M was approximately 10 times higher than in healthy control subjects, while PGI3-M excretion was low. Linolenate supplementation increased PGI2-M excretion twofold, while PGI3-M remained near detection limit. Platelet capacity to synthesize TXA2, and urinary excretion of TXB2+3-M were nearly unaffected by supplementation. The results confirm that the minimal daily requirement of alpha-linolenic acid is 0.2-0.3% of total energy.

• Authors: K S Bjerve, S Fischer, K Alme
• Journal: The American journal of clinical nutrition (Am J Clin Nutr) Vol. 46 Issue 4 Pg. 570-6 (Oct 1987) ISSN: 0002-9165 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3310599 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Eicosanoic Acids
• Fatty Acids
• Linoleic Acids
• Linolenic Acids
• Thromboxanes
• Linoleic Acid
• Epoprostenol
• ethyl linolenate

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Diet
• Eicosanoic Acids (biosynthesis)
• Epoprostenol (metabolism)
• Erythrocytes (metabolism)
• Fatty Acids (blood)
• Female
• Humans
• Linoleic Acid
• Linoleic Acids (deficiency)
• Linolenic Acids (administration & dosage)
• Nutrition Disorders (diet therapy, metabolism)
• Thromboxanes (metabolism)