Polyunsaturated fatty acid composition of maternal diet and erythrocyte phospholipid status in Chilean pregnant women.
Chilean diets are characterized by a low supply of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), which are critical nutrients during pregnancy and lactation, because of their role in brain and visual development. DHA is the most relevant n-3 PUFA in this period. We evaluated the dietary n-3 PUFA intake and erythrocyte phospholipids n-3 PUFA in Chilean pregnant women. Eighty healthy pregnant women (20-36 years old) in the 3rd-6th month of pregnancy were included in the study. Dietary assessment was done applying a food frequency questionnaire, and data were analyzed through the Food Processor SQL® software. Fatty acids of erythrocyte phospholipids were assessed by gas-liquid chromatography. Diet composition was high in saturated fat, low in mono- and PUFA, high in n-6 PUFA (linoleic acid) and low in n-3 PUFA (alpha-linolenic acid and DHA), with imbalance in the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio. Similar results were observed for fatty acids from erythrocyte phospholipids. The sample of Chilean pregnant women showed high consumption of saturated fat and low consumption of n-3 PUFA, which is reflected in the low DHA content of erythrocyte phospholipids. Imbalance between n-6/n-3 PUFA could negatively affect fetal development. New strategies are necessary to improve n-3 PUFA intake throughout pregnancy and breast feeding periods. Furthermore, it is necessary to develop dietary interventions to improve the quality of consumed foods with particular emphasis on n-3 PUFA.
Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Av. Independencia 1027, Independencia, Santiago 8380453, Chile. kbascunan@med.uchile.cl.
Karla A
KA
Bascuñán
Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Av. Independencia 1027, Independencia, Santiago 8380453, Chile. rvalenzuelab@med.uchile.cl.
Rodrigo
R
Valenzuela
Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Av. Independencia 1027, Independencia, Santiago 8380453, Chile. rodrigochamorro@med.uchile.cl.
Rodrigo
R
Chamorro
Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Av. Independencia 1027, Independencia, Santiago 8380453, Chile. avalencia2@gmail.com.
Alejandra
A
Valencia
Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Av. Independencia 1027, Independencia, Santiago 8380453, Chile. cynthia.barrera@gmail.com.
Cynthia
C
Barrera
Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Clinical Hospital of the University of Chile, Av. Santos Dumont 999, Independencia, Santiago 8380453, Chile. cpuigrredon@hcuch.cl.
Claudia
C
Puigrredon
Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Clinical Hospital of the University of Chile, Av. Santos Dumont 999, Independencia, Santiago 8380453, Chile. jsandoval@hcuch.cl.
Jorge
J
Sandoval
Lipid Center, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INTA), University of Chile, Av. El Líbano 5524, Macul, Santiago 8380453, Chile. avalenzu@inta.uchile.cl.
Alfonso
A
Valenzuela
D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding; D002677:Chile; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D004032:Diet; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000737:chemistry*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005504:Food Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007774:Lactation; D039382:Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000097:blood*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
D004041:Dietary Fats; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6; D010743:Phospholipids