title: Serum fatty acid profile in subjects with irritable bowel syndrome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a fluctuating disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, characterized by abdominal pain and change in bowel habit. We wanted to investigate subjects with IBS for signs of disturbed intestinal absorption of fatty acids, as reflected in serum composition.
  
  
  METHODS
  Serum samples were obtained from 32 adults with IBS, and from 59 controls. Serum fatty acids were analyzed by capillary gas-liquid chromatography.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Especially the proportions of arachidonic acid (20:4 n-6) and the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids of the n-3 family docosapentaenoic acid (22:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n-3) were decreased in subjects with IBS. The proportions of unsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were generally increased in IBS compared to controls.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although organic disease has been ruled out in patients with IBS, they presented signs of inadequate supply of long-chain fatty acids. Supplementation with n-3 fatty acids may be implicated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Tampere, Finland.
authors.forename: Tiina
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Solakivi
authors.forename: Katri
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kaukinen
authors.forename: Tarja
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kunnas
authors.forename: Terho
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lehtimäki
authors.forename: Markku
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mäki
authors.forename: Seppo Tapio
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Nikkari
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016718:Arachidonic Acid / Q000097:blood; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000097:blood; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000097:blood*; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D005227:Fatty Acids; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D016718:Arachidonic Acid; C026219:docosapentaenoic acid