Age and sex differences in the incorporation of EPA and DHA into plasma fractions, cells and adipose tissue in humans.
The aim of the present study was to determine whether age and sex influence both the status and incorporation of EPA and DHA into blood plasma, cells and tissues. The study was a double-blind, randomised, controlled intervention trial, providing EPA plus DHA equivalent to 0, 1, 2 or 4 portions of oily fish per week for 12 months. The participants were stratified by age and sex. A linear regression model was used to analyse baseline outcomes, with covariates for age or sex groups and by adjusting for BMI. The change in outcomes from baseline to 12 months was analysed with additional adjustment for treatment and average compliance. Fatty acid profiles in plasma phosphatidylcholine, cholesteryl esters, NEFA and TAG, mononuclear cells (MNC), erythrocyte membranes, platelets, buccal cells (BU) and adipose tissue (AT) were determined. At baseline, EPA concentrations in plasma NEFA and DHA concentrations in MNC, BU and AT were higher in females than in males (all P< 0·05). The concentrations of EPA in AT (P= 0·003) and those of DHA in plasma TAG (P< 0·01) and AT (P< 0·001) were higher with increasing age. Following 12-month supplementation with EPA plus DHA, adjusted mean difference for change in EPA concentrations in plasma TAG was significantly higher in females than in males (P< 0·05) and was greater with increasing age (P= 0·02). Adjusted mean difference for change in DHA concentrations in AT was significantly smaller with increasing age (P= 0·02). Although small differences in incorporation with age and sex were identified, these were not of sufficient magnitude to warrant a move away from population-level diet recommendations for n-3 PUFA.
Elsie Widdowson Laboratory, MRC Human Nutrition Research, Fulbourn Road, Cambridge CB1 9NL, UK.
Celia G
CG
Walker
Elsie Widdowson Laboratory, MRC Human Nutrition Research, Fulbourn Road, Cambridge CB1 9NL, UK.
Lucy M
LM
Browning
MRC Biostatistics Unit, Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Institute of Public Health, University Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0SR, UK.
Adrian P
AP
Mander
Human Development and Health Academic Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.
Jackie
J
Madden
Human Development and Health Academic Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.
Annette L
AL
West
Human Development and Health Academic Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.
Philip C
PC
Calder
Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK.
Susan A
SA
Jebb
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000378:metabolism*; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000378:metabolism; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005395:Fish Oils; D006801:Humans; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D017747:Seafood; D012737:Sex Factors; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood*; D055815:Young Adult
D005395:Fish Oils; D014280:Triglycerides; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid