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Whole-body utilization of n−3 PUFA in n−6 PUFA-deficient rats

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Lipids

Abstract

We evaluated the utilization of α-linolenic acid (18∶3n−3) in growing rats consuming a diet deficient in n−6 PUFA. After 90 d, whole-body 18∶3n−3 accumulation was 55% lower, total n−3 PUFA accumulation was 21% lower, and 18∶3n−3 disappearance was 14% higher in n−6 PUFA-deficient rats. Part of the reduction of whole-body 18∶3n−3 in n−6 PUFA-deficient rats was due to the 25% increase in net conversion of 18∶3n−3 to long-chain n−3 PUFA. Despite adequate 18∶3n−3 intake, n−6 PUFA deficiency decreased the accumulation of 18∶3n−3 and total n−3 PUFA.

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Abbreviations

18∶0:

stearic acid

18∶1n−9:

oleic acid

18∶2n−6:

linoleic acid

18∶3n−3:

α-linolenic acid

20∶3n−9:

Mead acid

20∶4n−6:

arachidonic acid

22∶5n−3:

docosapentaenoic acid

22∶6n−3:

docosahexaenoic acid

LCPUFA:

long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 150 College St., Room 308 FitzGerald Building, M5S 3E2, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Richard P. Bazinet, Holly Douglas & Stephen C. Cunnane

Authors
  1. Richard P. Bazinet
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  2. Holly Douglas
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  3. Stephen C. Cunnane
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Correspondence to Richard P. Bazinet.

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Bazinet, R.P., Douglas, H. & Cunnane, S.C. Whole-body utilization of n−3 PUFA in n−6 PUFA-deficient rats. Lipids 38, 187–189 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11745-003-1050-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11745-003-1050-8

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