Positive Health Online

Abstract

RODRIGUEZ-PALMERO and colleagues, University of Barcelona, Department of Human Physiological Sciences and Nutrition, Av. Joan XXIII s/n 08028 Barcelona, Spain, assessed the extent to which n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) became incorporated into plasma and erythrocyte lipids of elderly subjects after ingestion of very low doses of fish oil . They also studied effects on plasma alpha-tocopherol and retinol levels.

Background

Methodology

45 subjects aged 60-92 years who were residents of a Municipal nursing home in Barcelona received a non-commercialized milk formula containing 1% fish oil (providing 0.4 g/day of n-3 PUFAs) for 15 months . Plasma and erythrocyte fatty acid profiles and plasma antioxidant levels were measured before and after the end of treatment.

Results

Total n-3 PUFAs in plasma and erythrocytes increased significantly by 32% and 18% respectively. Eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels in plasma and erythrocytes also increased significantly . Linoleic and arachidonic acids levels remained unchanged. The n-6/n-3 ratio decreased by 21% in plasma and by 16% in erythrocytes. Younger subjects showed greater incorporation of EPA and DHA than older subjects. Erythrocyte alpha-tocopherol increased significantly . Retinol and plasma alpha-tocopherol levels did not change significantly.

Conclusion

References

Rodriquez-Palmero M et al. Administration of low doses of fish oil derived N-3 fatty acids to elderly subjects. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 51 (8): 554-60. Aug 1997.