linoleic-acid and Birth-Weight

Visual-evoked potential (VEP) acuity has been used to assess the effects of dietary fats on the integrity of the visual pathway of infants. We investigated prognostic determinants of VEP acuity at 16 wk of age. The results of two randomized dietary intervention trials designed to assess the effect of dietary fatty acids on the visual development of term infants were combined. At entry to both trials (approximately day 5 of life), a blood sample to assess polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) status was collected along with sociodemographic and perinatal characteristics. At 16 +/- 0.9 wk of age, infants underwent VEP testing to measure acuity. There was no effect of dietary treatment on these outcomes within or between trials. Multiple linear regression models were constructed to investigate the effect of perinatal and nutritional variables at study entry on VEP acuity of 185 infants. Higher birth weight was associated with an ability to resolve smaller checkerboard patterns [r2 = 0.05; 95% confidence interval (Cl), -0.10, -0.04 log units]. Male gender (r2 = 0.03; 95% Cl, 0.01, 0.07 log units), day 5 plasma 22:5n-6 (r2 = 0.04; 95% Cl, 0.02, 0.20 log units), day 5 red cell membrane 20:3n-9 (r2 = 0.03; 95% Cl, 0.03, 0.13 log units), and the number of smokers in the household (r2 = 0.02; 95% Cl, 0.00, 0.04 log units) were all associated with poorer VEP acuity scores. It is possible that a combination of perinatal factors could accumulate to either mask or enhance effects of diet on VEP acuity, given the relatively modest effects of long-chain PUFA on visual outcome.

Topics: alpha-Linolenic Acid; Birth Weight; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Evoked Potentials, Visual; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant Food; Infant, Newborn; Linoleic Acid; Male; Predictive Value of Tests; Smoking

Visual-evoked potential (VEP) acuity has been used to assess the effects of dietary fats on the integrity of the visual pathway of infants. We investigated prognostic determinants of VEP acuity at 16 wk of age. The results of two randomized dietary intervention trials designed to assess the effect of dietary fatty acids on the visual development of term infants were combined. At entry to both trials (approximately day 5 of life), a blood sample to assess polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) status was collected along with sociodemographic and perinatal characteristics. At 16 +/- 0.9 wk of age, infants underwent VEP testing to measure acuity. There was no effect of dietary treatment on these outcomes within or between trials. Multiple linear regression models were constructed to investigate the effect of perinatal and nutritional variables at study entry on VEP acuity of 185 infants. Higher birth weight was associated with an ability to resolve smaller checkerboard patterns [r2 = 0.05; 95% confidence interval (Cl), -0.10, -0.04 log units]. Male gender (r2 = 0.03; 95% Cl, 0.01, 0.07 log units), day 5 plasma 22:5n-6 (r2 = 0.04; 95% Cl, 0.02, 0.20 log units), day 5 red cell membrane 20:3n-9 (r2 = 0.03; 95% Cl, 0.03, 0.13 log units), and the number of smokers in the household (r2 = 0.02; 95% Cl, 0.00, 0.04 log units) were all associated with poorer VEP acuity scores. It is possible that a combination of perinatal factors could accumulate to either mask or enhance effects of diet on VEP acuity, given the relatively modest effects of long-chain PUFA on visual outcome.

Topics: alpha-Linolenic Acid; Birth Weight; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Evoked Potentials, Visual; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant Food; Infant, Newborn; Linoleic Acid; Male; Predictive Value of Tests; Smoking

In a group of 26 preterm newborn infants (gestational age 24-37 weeks, birth weight 560-2800 g) we followed the possible relationship between the birth weight and the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids n=3 in the blood serum. The blood samples were taken usually within 24 hours after birth, exceptionally within 48 hours. The newborns as well as their mothers did not receive antibiotics, tocolytics or hormonal therapy. We found a positive correlation between the birth weight and the proportion (expressed in %) of polyenoic fatty acids(n-3) in the blood serum. This relation could be expressed by the regression line (r=0.636, p<0.001, % FA(n-3) = -1.166 + 0.00217 x birth weight in g. The value of Kruskal-Wallis criterion H was 15.158. The importance of such a relationship is discussed.

Topics: alpha-Linolenic Acid; Birth Weight; Chromatography, Gas; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Linoleic Acid; Risk

Low-birth-weight infants exhibit a high risk for postnatal morbidity. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) and epoxide hydrolase (EH) are involved in the metabolism of factors responsible for low-birth-weight in infants. Both CYPs and EHs have high substrate specificity and are involved in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) metabolism. The CYP pathway produces epoxy fatty acids (EpFAs), which are further degraded by soluble EH (sEH). Additionally, sEH inhibition enhances the action of EpFAs and suppresses inflammatory responses. During pregnancy, excessive activation of maternal inflammatory response is a significant factor associated with low-birth-weight. However, the association of EpFAs, which have potential anti-inflammatory properties, with the low-birth-weight of infants remains uninvestigated. This study aimed to clarify the association between the umbilical cord serum EpFA and low-birth-weight using data obtained from the Hamamatsu Birth Cohort for Mothers and Children (HBC Study) by analyzing the umbilical cord blood samples.. We selected a subgroup of 200 infants (106 boys and 94 girls), quantified EpFA concentration in their cord blood samples collected at birth, and examined its correlation with birth weight.. The comparison between the low-birth-weight and normal-birth-weight groups revealed no significant correlation between PUFA and EpFA concentrations, but a significant correlation was observed in the linoleate diol concentrations of the two groups. Furthermore, birth weight did not significantly correlate with PUFA, EpFA, and diol concentrations in cord blood; however, multiple regression analysis showed a significant negative correlation of birth weight with the concentration of linoleic acid (LA) (. Birth weight was significantly correlated with the concentration of LA and linoleate diol diHOME after adjusting for obstetric confounders. Our results show that CYP and sEH involved in PUFA metabolism may influence the birth weight of infants. Further validation is needed to provide insights regarding maternal intervention strategies required to avoid low-birth-weight in infants in the future.

Topics: Birth Weight; Child; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; Fatty Acids; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Linoleic Acid; Male; Pregnancy

Fatty acids (FAs) are fundamental for a foetus's growth, serving as an energy source, structural constituents of cellular membranes and precursors of bioactive molecules, as well as being essential for cell signalling. Long-chain polyunsaturated FAs (LC-PUFAs) are pivotal in brain and visual development. It is of interest to investigate whether and how specific pregnancy conditions, which alter fatty acid metabolism (excessive pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) or gestational weight gain (GWG)), affect lipid supply to the foetus. For this purpose, we evaluated the erythrocyte FAs of mothers and offspring (cord-blood) at birth, in relation to pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG. A total of 435 mothers and their offspring (237 males, 51%) were included in the study. Distribution of linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA), and their metabolites, arachidonic acid, dihomogamma linoleic (DGLA) and ecosapentanoic acid, was significantly different in maternal and foetal erythrocytes. Pre-pregnancy BMI was significantly associated with maternal percentage of MUFAs (Coeff: -0.112; p = 0.021), LA (Coeff: -0.033; p = 0.044) and DHA (Coeff. = 0.055; p = 0.0016); inadequate GWG with DPA (Coeff: 0.637; p = 0.001); excessive GWG with docosaexahenoic acid (DHA) (Coeff. = -0.714; p = 0.004). Moreover, pre-pregnancy BMI was associated with foetus percentage of PUFAs (Coeff: -0.172; p = 0.009), omega 6 (Coeff: -0.098; p = 0.015) and DHA (Coeff: -0.0285; p = 0.036), even after adjusting for maternal lipids. Our findings show that maternal GWG affects maternal but not foetal lipid profile, differently from pre-pregnancy BMI, which influences both.

Topics: 8,11,14-Eicosatrienoic Acid; Adolescent; Adult; alpha-Linolenic Acid; Arachidonic Acid; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Educational Status; Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Erythrocytes; Fatty Acids; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetus; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Linoleic Acid; Male; Middle Aged; Mothers; Obesity; Pregnancy; Weight Gain; Young Adult

The objective was to quantify cis and trans fatty acids in maternal plasma and infant cord plasma from adolescent mothers.. From 80 adolescent healthy mothers, we sampled postpartum maternal blood and umbilical cord blood at birth. Trans fatty acids (tFAs), linoleic (18:2), and arachidonic (AA, 20:4) acids of the n-6 family, and α-linolenic (18:3), eicosapentaenoic (20:5) and docosahexaenoic (22:6) acids of the n-3 family were analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography. Results were expressed as a percentage of total fatty acids.. Linoleic fatty acid was present in greater proportions in the maternal plasma than in that of the umbilical cord, whereas AA was present in greater proportions in the total lipids of umbilical cord blood. Docosahexaenoic acid was the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid of the n-3 family that was predominant in both maternal and umbilical cord plasma. The tFAs in the maternal plasma had a negative correlation with oleic acid and linoleic acid. Linolenic acid had a positive correlation with cephalic perimeter upon birth. A tendency for a negative correlation between trans isomers and gestational age at birth (P = .05) was observed.. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are important to fetal growth and development, were found in greater quantities in the cord blood of newborns of adolescents than in the maternal blood, indicating a priority of transfer of AA and docosahexaenoic fatty acids to the fetus. Despite the lower levels of tFAs found in maternal blood, we verified potential risk for premature birth.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; alpha-Linolenic Acid; Arachidonic Acid; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Brazil; Cross-Sectional Studies; Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Linoleic Acid; Oleic Acid; Postpartum Period; Trans Fatty Acids; Young Adult

Nutritional factors in early life may have long-term physiologic effects in humans. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) play important roles in protecting against cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Our aim was to examine the association of birth weight (BW) with serum long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) profile in adolescents.. A total of 772 European adolescents (56.3% females) aged 14.7 ± 1.2 years were included in this study. Information on BW and gestational age was obtained from parental records. DHA, EPA and arachidonic acid (AA) concentrations were measured in serum phospholipids. Alfa-linolenic (ALA), linoleic (LA), AA, EPA and DHA intakes assessed by a computer based 24h dietary recall. Gender, gestational age, pubertal status, body mass index, center and total energy and LCPUFA intakes were used as confounders in all the analyses.. BW was significantly associated with serum DHA and EPA (both adjusted P<0.05) independently of potential confounders including their main dietetic source. We did not observe any significant relationship between BW and serum AA levels.. Our findings suggest that early metabolic changes, as a result from prenatal environmental influences, could affect long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism later in life. These results may contribute to explain the relationship between early nutrition and growth and later metabolic disorders as CVD.

Topics: Adolescent; alpha-Linolenic Acid; Arachidonic Acid; Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Europe; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Female; Humans; Life Style; Linoleic Acid; Male; Nutritional Sciences

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of sunflower seed supplements with varying fatty acid profiles on performance, reproduction, intake, and digestion in beef cattle. In Exp. 1, 127 multiparous spring-calving beef cows with free-choice access to bermudagrass hay were individually fed 1 of 3 supplements for an average of 83 d during mid to late gestation. Supplements (DM basis) included 1) 1.23 kg/d of a soybean hull-based supplement (control treatment); 2) 0.68 kg/d of linoleic sunflower seed plus 0.23 kg/d of the control supplement (linoleic treatment); and 3) 0.64 kg/d of mid-oleic sunflower seed plus 0.23 kg/d of the control supplement (oleic treatment). During the first 62 d of supplementation, the BW change was 11, 3, and -3 kg for cows fed the control, linoleic, and oleic supplements, respectively (P < 0.001). No difference in BW change was observed during the subsequent period (-65 kg, P = 0.83) or during the entire 303-d experiment (-31 kg, P = 0.49). During the first 62 d of supplementation, cows fed sunflower supplements tended (P = 0.08) to lose more body condition than cows fed the control diet, but BCS was not different (P > 0.22) for any subsequent measurement. At the beginning of the breeding season, the percentage of cows exhibiting luteal activity was greater for cows fed the control diet (43%; P = 0.02) than for cows fed either linoleic (20%) or oleic (16%) supplementation; however, first-service conception rate (67%; P = 0.22) and pregnancy rate at weaning (92%; P = 0.18) were not different among supplements. No differences were detected in calf birth (P = 0.46) or weaning BW (P = 0.74). In Exp. 2, 8 ruminally cannulated steers were used to determine the effects of sunflower seed supplementation on forage intake and digestion. Treatments (DM basis) included 1) no supplement; 2) a soybean hull-based supplement fed at 0.29% of BW/d; 3) whole linoleic sunflower seed fed at 0.16% of BW/d; and 4) whole high-oleic sunflower seed fed at 0.16% of BW/d. Hay intake was not influenced (P = 0.25) by supplement (1.51% of BW/d); however, DMI was greatest (P < 0.01) for steers fed the soybean hull-based supplement (1.93% of BW/d). Sunflower seed supplementation reduced (P < 0.01) NDF and ADF digestibility while increasing (P < 0.01) apparent CP and apparent lipid digestibility. In conclusion, whole sunflower seed supplementation resulted in reduced cow BW gain during mid to late gestation, but this reduction did not influence subse

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Cattle; Corpus Luteum; Dietary Supplements; Digestion; Eating; Female; Helianthus; Least-Squares Analysis; Linoleic Acid; Male; Oleic Acid; Pregnancy; Random Allocation; Seeds

This study evaluated the arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) formation from d5-labeled linoleic acid (d5-LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (d5-LNA) precursors in infants with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) compared with control groups matched by gestational age (GA) or birth weight. We compared DHA and AA formation from deuterated precursors d5-LA and d5-LNA in 11 infants with IUGR with 13 and 25 control subjects who were appropriate for GA and matched by GA and by birth weight, respectively. After an enteral administration of d5-LA and d5-LNA, we determined unlabeled and d5-labeled fatty acids at 24, 48, and 96 h in plasma. Absolute concentrations and area under the curve (AUC) over the 96-h study were used for analysis. Absolute concentration of d5-DHA and the product/precursor ratio of the d5-labeled AUCs indicated a less active DHA formation from LNA in infants with IUGR compared with their GA-matched (2-fold) and birth weight-matched (3-fold) control subjects. The ratios of eicosapentaenoic and n-3 docosapentaenoic acid to DHA were also affected. Similar evaluation for the n-6 series was not significant. DHA metabolism is affected in infants with IUGR; the restricted DPA to DHA conversion step seems to be principally responsible for this finding.

Topics: alpha-Linolenic Acid; Area Under Curve; Birth Weight; Deuterium; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Fatty Acids; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Fetal Growth Retardation; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Isotopes; Linoleic Acid; Time Factors

Arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are important for growth and neural development. trans Fatty acids (TFAs) may inhibit desaturation of linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) to AA and DHA, respectively. Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) also alter lipid metabolism and body fat.. We determined the associations of birth outcome with maternal and infant plasma concentrations of TFAs, CLAs, AA, and DHA.. In healthy women, we sampled maternal blood at 35 wk gestation (n = 58) and umbilical cord blood at birth (n = 70).. Mean (+/- SEM) TFA concentrations (% by wt) in infant plasma were as follows: triacylglycerol, 2.83 +/- 0.19 (range: 0.63-12.79); phospholipid, 0.67 +/- 0.03 (0.11-1.33); and cholesteryl ester, 2.04 +/- 0.01 (0.86-4.24). LA, AA, DHA, TFA, and CLA concentrations in infant phospholipids correlated with the same fatty acid in maternal plasma phospholipids (n = 44; P < 0.05). Infant plasma cholesteryl ester and triacylglycerol TFAs and cholesteryl ester CLAs (r = -0.33, -0.42, and -0.49, respectively) were significantly inversely related to length of gestation. Triacylglycerol and cholesteryl ester AA were positively related to length of gestation (r = 0.41 and 0.37, respectively) and birth weight (r = 0.27 and 0.23, respectively). Inverse correlations occurred between infant plasma TFA and DHA concentrations in triacylglycerols (r = -0.33) and between TFA and AA concentrations in cholesteryl esters (r = -0.23).. The results suggest possible important effects of TFAs and of AA on fetal growth and length of gestation.

Topics: alpha-Linolenic Acid; Arachidonic Acid; Birth Weight; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Embryonic and Fetal Development; Fatty Acids; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Fatty Acids, Omega-6; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Linoleic Acid; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome

The fatty acid composition of plasma lipids was determined in 41 pairs of mothers and their term infants at time of birth (38-42 postmenstrual weeks) by high-resolution capillary gas-liquid chromatography. Linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids were found at smaller concentrations in cord than in maternal triglycerides, in contrast to strikingly higher proportions of their long-chain polyunsaturated metabolites (LC-PUFA), which indicates a preferential maternofetal transport for certain physiologically important LC-PUFA. While no significant gestational age-dependent changes occurred in maternal plasma triglycerides, the values for most of the fetal long-chain n-3 metabolites increased with the duration of gestation, possibly reflecting an increased transplacental fatty acid passage during late pregnancy or a maturation of desaturation in the fetal liver.

Topics: Adult; alpha-Linolenic Acid; Birth Weight; Chromatography, Gas; Fatty Acids, Essential; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Female; Fetal Blood; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Linoleic Acid; Pregnancy; Triglycerides

Effects of lipid infusion into postpartum (PP) beef heifers on plasma concentrations of linoleic acid and prostaglandin (PG) F(2alpha) metabolite (PGFM), days to first estrus, and subsequent pregnancy rate were examined. Treatments (n = 5 per group) of 1 L intralipid (20% soybean oil; IL), 1 L 50% dextrose (DEXT; isocaloric to IL), 0.5 L intralipid (0.5 IL), and 1 L physiological saline (SAL) were infused i.v. over 4 h on each of Days 7 through 11 PP. Capacity of the uterus to produce PG was evaluated after i.v. injection of 150 IU of oxytocin (OT) to IL- and DEXT-treated heifers Day 12 PP. Change in plasma concentrations of PGFM from 0 to 4 h was greater for IL-treated heifers than for heifers given other treatments on Day 7 (P = 0.04) and on Day 11 (P = 0.01), but not on Day 9 (P>0.10). Plasma linoleic acid on Day 11 and OT-induced release of PGFM on Day 12 were greater in IL-treated heifers compared with DEXT-treated heifers (P<0.06 and P = 0.01, respectively). There were no significant differences among treatments for mean days to first estrus or pregnancy rate. Infusion of lipid increased systemic concentrations of linoleic acid and increased the capacity of PP heifers to produce uterine PGF(2alpha) as indicated by plasma PGFM concentration after OT injection.

Topics: Animals; Behavior, Animal; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Cattle; Dinoprost; Eating; Estrus; Fat Emulsions, Intravenous; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; Female; Fertility; Linoleic Acid; Ovary; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Prostaglandins

To examine whether dietary factors in pregnancy are related to fetal growth.. Prospective longitudinal study during pregnancy; midway through gestation a dietary history was obtained.. Subjects (n = 372) were participants in a study on maternal essential fatty acid status during pregnancy who did not have hypertension or any metabolic, cardiovascular, neurological, or renal disorder. Only pregnant white women with the intention to give birth in one of the three hospitals involved in the study were included. All three hospitals were located in the southern part of the Netherlands.. The relation between maternal nutrition and fetal growth was evaluated using multiple regression analyses.. Maternal intake of n-3 fatty acids plus arachidonic acid and of riboflavin were associated positively with fetal growth. A negative relation was observed between linoleic acid intake and fetal growth.. Our data suggest that the maternal diet during pregnancy is associated with fetal growth. Although this relationship ought to be more closely investigated, our results imply that much more attention should be paid to an adequate maternal diet during pregnancy, especially with respect to riboflavin and fatty acid intake.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Birth Weight; Embryonic and Fetal Development; Female; Humans; Linoleic Acid; Linoleic Acids; Longitudinal Studies; Nutrition Policy; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Riboflavin

Spring-calving Brahman cows (S) artificially inseminated to Brahman, Angus, or Tuli sires and fall-calving Brahman cows (F) naturally bred to Brahman were allotted randomly to receive 3.74% (LF; n = 9 S and 6 F), 5.20% (MF; n = 8 S and 6 F), or 6.55% dietary fat (HF; n = 8 S). Diets were formulated to contain differing fatty acid concentrations and to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Cows were bled and fed twice daily from 2 wk before expected calving date through d 21 after calving. Ultrasonography was performed on d 14 and 21 after calving. From d 21 to 90 after calving a sterile bull equipped with a chin-ball marker was placed with the cows to aid in estrus detection. In both seasons progesterone decreased (P < .01) and estradiol-17 beta increased (P < .01) as parturition approached. Cows receiving MF and HF had increased (P < .01) total numbers of follicles compared to LF cows, and cows receiving MF had larger (P < .01) follicles. During the spring, cows receiving HF and cows bred to Brahman or Tuli sires had longer (P < .01) gestation lengths. Progesterone concentrations before calving were affected (P < .01) by treatment x sire and estradiol-17 beta by a time x treatment interaction (P < .01). Cholesterol after calving was higher (P < .01) in HF cows than in LF or MF cows. In the fall, LF cows had heavier (P < .01) calves than cows receiving MF. Birth weight was also affected (P < .01) by treatment x sex of calf. Progesterone was affected (P < .01) by treatment x sex of calf. Estradiol-17 beta was affected (P < .01) by sex of calf and treatment x sex of calf. Across seasons, by d 90 after calving, 9 of 15 (60%) LF and 11 of 15 (73.3%) MF cows showed estrual behavior. Cows in the spring had increased (P < .01) numbers and larger follicles compared to the fall. In conclusion, dietary fat may influence steroid hormone concentrations before calving, calf birth weight and postpartum follicular populations; furthermore, follicular populations may also be influenced by season.

Topics: Animals; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Cattle; Cholesterol; Dietary Fats; Estradiol; Female; Labor, Obstetric; Linoleic Acid; Linoleic Acids; Male; Oleic Acid; Ovarian Follicle; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Rate; Pregnancy, Animal; Progesterone; Random Allocation; Seasons; Sex Characteristics; Triglycerides

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) composition of choline phosphoglycerides was measured in the plasma of 22 preterm infants at birth and at expected date of delivery (EDD). In a subgroup of 10 infants, data were also collected at regular intervals between birth and EDD. Levels at birth showed a positive correlation between arachidonic acid (AA) and birth weight, p less than 0.01, and between docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and gestational age, p less than 0.01. Percentage compositions of both AA and DHA fell rapidly between preterm birth and expected date of delivery, at a time when they would remain high in utero. For AA, the mean value fell from 16.52 to 7.18%, and for DHA from 4.49 to 2.63%. Levels of DHA fell less in babies fed breast milk than in those fed formula milk, p less than 0.05, and levels of AA fell less in those requiring a large number of blood transfusions, p less than 0.05. The level of DHA fell more in those infants with intrauterine growth retardation, p less than 0.05. Although these nutrients share common metabolic pathways for their synthesis, they appear to be affected by different factors in both the fetus and the preterm infant. Low levels at this time may adversely affect brain and retinal development.

Topics: Age Factors; Animals; Arachidonic Acid; Birth Weight; Blood Transfusion; Diet; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Linoleic Acid; Linoleic Acids; Milk; Milk, Human; Phosphatidylcholines; Regression Analysis