Essential fatty acid-deprived tube-fed adults synthesize arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids: a pilot analysis of the fatty acid status of people with profound developmental disabilities.
OBJECTIVE
Determine whether there are essential fatty acid abnormalities in arachidonic (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-deprived tube-fed individuals.


METHODS
Plasma fatty acid concentrations were measured in eight tube-fed adults with profound developmental disabilities.


RESULTS
Mean plasma AA, DPAn-6, stearic, oleic, Mead, palmitoleic, and vaccenic acid concentrations were elevated but DHA was normal. Numerous fatty acid ratios were also elevated.


CONCLUSIONS
In this context, significant synthesis of both AA and DHA was apparent. However, abnormal fatty acid profiles were common.
Glick
Norris R
NR
Central Wisconsin Center, 317 Knutson Drive, Madison, WI 53704, USA. glicknr@dhfs.state.wi.us
Fischer
Milton H
MH
D000328:Adult; D001095:Arachidonic Acids / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood*; D002648:Child; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000097:blood*; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D004750:Enteral Nutrition; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential / Q000172:deficiency*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D001095:Arachidonic Acids; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids