title: An overview of monitoring and supplementation of omega 3 fatty acids in cystic fibrosis.
abstract: Essential fatty acid deficiency has been increasingly reported in patients with cystic fibrosis. The purpose of this work is to critically summarize previous data on fatty acid status and omega3 supplementation in cystic fibrosis. Although the reported abnormalities differ from study to study, the two most consistent features appeared to be reduced circulating levels of linoleic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). On the assumption that the fatty acid composition of erythrocyte cell membranes may be similar to that of other organs, it seems appropriate to monitor the phospholipid profile from erythrocyte membranes together with circulating blood levels. Formulations containing widely variable DHA doses, ranging from 300 mg to 5 g per day, have been administered to patients with cystic fibrosis with discrepant outcomes. Randomized controlled trials are needed in order to draw firm conclusions on the therapeutic effect of omega3 fatty acid supplementation in cystic fibrosis.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Chemistry, Université Catholique de Louvain, 10 Avenue Hippocrate, BP 6720, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: Thierry Charles
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Coste
authors.forename: Martine
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Armand
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lebacq
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lebecque
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wallemacq
authors.forename: Teresinha
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Leal
mesh_terms: D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological
chemical_list: D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids