Publications
339 results found
Ghebremeskel K, Williams TD, Williams G, et al., 1991, Plasma metabolites in macaroni penguins (Eudyptes chrysolophus) arriving on land for breeding and moulting, Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology -- Part A: Physiology, Vol: 99, Pages: 245-250, ISSN: 0300-9629
1. 1. Plasma metabolites and nutrients of macaroni penguins (Eudyptes chrysolophus) arriving on land in good condition, following intense feeding, for breeding and moulting were investigated. 2. 2. The pre-breeding female birds had significantly higher concentrations of total lipid, iron, magnesium, calcium, inorganic phosphate and alkaline phosphatase, and lower concentrations of total cholesterol, all-trans retinol (vitamin A) than the pre-breeding males. 3. 3. With the exception of iron, which was lower in the male, the various parameters measured in male and female pre-moult penguins did not differ. 4. 4. Some of the plasma metabolite concentrations of the pre-moult birds differed substantially from those of their male and female pre-breeding counterparts. 5. 5. The observed differences were thought to be the result of mobilization in response to physiological demands for egg formation and moulting. 6. 6. However, it is possible that discrepancies were partly due to selective ingestion of nutrients in preparation for higher physiological demands. © 1991.
Cunnane SC, Chen ZY, Yang J, et al., 1991, Alpha-linolenic acid in humans: direct functional role or dietary precursor?, Nutrition, Vol: 7, Pages: 437-439, ISSN: 0899-9007
Ghebremeskel K, Harbige LS, Williams G, et al., 1991, The effect of dietary change on in vitro erythrocyte haemolysis, skin lesions and alopecia in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)., Comp Biochem Physiol A Comp Physiol, Vol: 100, Pages: 891-896, ISSN: 0300-9629
1. The effect of dietary change on common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) exhibiting high in vitro erythrocyte haemolysis, skin lesions and alopecia was investigated. 2. The experimental diet was low in lipid, high in vitamin E and was devoid of n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. 3. There were significant increases in the concentrations of plasma alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) (P less than 0.05), all-trans retinol (vitamin A) (P less than 0.001) and total lipid (P less than 0.025), and a reduction in fibrinogen (P less than 0.02) concentration and neutrophil count (P less than 0.02). 4. Moreover, the mean in vitro erythrocyte haemolysis declined from an initial value of 64% to less than 2%, and there was a regression of skin lesions and alopecia with complete fur regrowth. 5. The amelioration of the conditions appear to be due to high circulating vitamin E which provided protection against oxidative stress, and the correction of membrane n-6:n-3 balance.
Wynn AH, Crawford MA, Doyle W, et al., 1991, Nutrition of women in anticipation of pregnancy., Nutr Health, Vol: 7, Pages: 69-88, ISSN: 0260-1060
A causal connection between maternal nutrient intake and birth outcome is not universally accepted. In this paper further empirical support is provided, particularly in relation to the impact of maternal nutrition around the time of conception or very early in pregnancy. It is argued that the hypothesis that maternal nutrition has no connection with birthweight is very easily refuted. It is suggested that there should be a new category of recommended dietary allowances; "women in anticipation of pregnancy". The diet of 513 pregnant London women were recorded for 7 days during the first trimester of their pregnancy. Birthweight and nutrient intakes were found to be significantly correlated but only over the lower half of the birthweight range. The optimum birthweight range with the lowest perinatal and infant mortalities is 3,500-4,500 g and it is suggested that the nutrient intake of th 165 women who had babies in this optimum weight range provide tentative values for nutrient intake recommendations in anticipation of pregnancy, but are not claimed to be representative. The need for adjustments of recommendations for the individual, for example for a low body mass index, is discussed. A body mass index of 24 kg/m2 is recommended based on the median of the 165 women.
Crawford MA, Budowski P, Drury P, et al., 1991, The nutritional contribution to bovine spongiform encephalopathy., Nutr Health, Vol: 7, Pages: 61-68, ISSN: 0260-1060
Evidence that changes in feeding style alter the membrane fatty acid composition of ruminant tissue is presented here by comparing zoo giraffe with the same species from their natural habitat. The membrane changes seen are similar to those used experimentally to make animals susceptible to basic brain protein and encephalomalacia. Similar membrane responses have been noted in cattle. Use of animal protein and increased nitrogen in cattle feeds would lead to a relative deficiency of essential fatty acids in the cell membranes and hence reduced membrane stability. By analogy with crazy chick disease (nutritional encephalomalacia) and experimental encephalomyelitis in rats, the possibility that the changes in animals feeds would have depleted cattle tissue membranes and made them susceptible to BSE is discussed. The assumption being made is that the principle of a requirement of essential fatty acids for neural integrity and immune system function would apply to cattle as well as to other species.
Fan WX, Parker R, Parpia B, et al., 1990, Erythrocyte fatty acids, plasma lipids, and cardiovascular disease in rural China., Am J Clin Nutr, Vol: 52, Pages: 1027-1036, ISSN: 0002-9165
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality (coronary heart disease, hypertensive heart disease, and stroke), plasma lipids, and red blood cell fatty acid composition were examined in an ecologic study in 65 rural counties in the People's Republic of China. Means of plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high-density-lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentrations were substantially lower and the ratio of HDL cholesterol to total cholesterol was higher in this Chinese population than in Western populations. Mortality rates for CVD in China were well below Western values. Within China neither plasma total cholesterol nor LDL cholesterol was associated with CVD. A strong inverse correlation between red blood cell oleate concentrations and CVD was observed. However, red blood cell oleate concentrations were not associated with plasma cholesterol but were strongly negatively associated with arachidonate concentrations, suggesting potential diminution of CVD by oleate through reduced platelet aggregability. The results indicate that geographical differences in CVD mortality within China are caused primarily by factors other than dietary or plasma cholesterol.
Crawford MA, Costeloe K, Doyle W, et al., 1990, Potential diagnostic value of the umbilical artery as a definition of neural fatty acid status of the fetus during its growth: the umbilical artery as a diagnostic tool., Pages: 761-766, ISSN: 0300-5127
Kuhn DC, Crawford MA, Stuart MJ, et al., 1990, Alterations in transfer and lipid distribution of arachidonic acid in placentas of diabetic pregnancies., Diabetes, Vol: 39, Pages: 914-918, ISSN: 0012-1797
Placental tissue from nondiabetic term pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by maternal insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) was perfused in vitro to compare the transfer and lipid distribution of arachidonic acid (AA). Radiolabeled albumin-bound AA was administered into the maternal afferent circulation, and samples of fetal and maternal effluent were collected at 10-min intervals. Perfused placental tissue was collected at the end of each experiment. The effluent was analyzed for total radioactivity, and extracts were subjected to thin-layer chromatography for the assessment of radioactivity associated with various lipid fractions. Placental AA uptake was significantly increased in perfused tissue from diabetic pregnancies (0.88 vs. 1.72 nM.min-1.g-1 in nondiabetic and IDDM, respectively; P less than 0.01), as was AA transfer (0.22 vs. 0.42 ml/min in nondiabetic and IDDM, respectively; P less than 0.01). However, transfer of the highly diffusible marker substance antipyrine was significantly reduced in IDDM placentas (1.79 vs. 2.49 ml/min in IDDM and nondiabetic, respectively; P less than 0.01). Compared with nondiabetic placentas, incorporation of AA into triglyceride was significantly increased in both maternal and fetal effluents and in placental tissue from IDDM pregnancies, whereas the percentage of AA remaining unesterified was reduced in both placental tissue and fetal effluent. Incorporation of AA into phosphoglycerides was significantly reduced in placental tissue but increased in fetal effluent in placentas from IDDM pregnancies. The results of these studies suggest that transfer and lipid distribution of AA are significantly altered in placentas from IDDM pregnancies. These findings may be relevant to the increased incidence of abnormal fetal growth and development associated with IDDM pregnancies.
Doyle W, Crawford MA, Wynn AHA, et al., 1990, The Association between Maternal Diet and Birth Dimensions, Journal of Nutritional Medicine, Vol: 1, Pages: 9-17, ISSN: 0955-6664
Nutrient intakes of 513 women during one week towards the end of the first trimester of pregnancy were recorded and analysed. Correlations between maternal nutrient intake and birthweight, newborn head circumference and newborn length were significant for many nutrients. These associations were found to be greatest for the babies below median weight. Maternal intake of the B vitamins notably thiamin and niacin, and minerals, notably magnesium and iron, were significantly correlated with birthweight, head circumference and length. Vitamin-mineral supplementation of the mothers during the last two trimesters of pregnancy had no significant effect on birth dimensions. It is concluded that the principal associations of maternal diet and birth dimensions probably had their origin during ovulatory maturation and early embryonic development. © 1990, Informa UK Ltd. All rights reserved.
Crawford MA, 1990, The early development and evolution of the human brain., Pages: 43-78, ISSN: 0300-9726
THE CHEMISTRY OF THE BRAIN: The brain and nervous system is characterised by a heavy investment in lipid chemistry which accounts for up to 60% of its structural material. In the different mammalian species so far studied, only the 20 and 22 carbon chain length polyenoic fatty acids were present and the balance of the n-3 to n-6 fatty acids was consistently 1:1. The difference observed between species, was not in the chemistry but in the extent to which the brain is developed. This paper discusses the possibility that essential fatty acids may have played a part in it evolution. THE ORIGIN OF AIR BREATHING ANIMALS: The first phase of the planet's existence indulged in high temperature reactions in which oxygen combined with everything feasible: from silicon to make rocks to hydrogen to make water. Once the planet's temperature dropped to a point at which water could condense on the surface allowing chemical reactions to take place in it. The atmosphere was at that time devoid of oxygen so life evolved in a reducing atmosphere. Oxygen was liberated by photolysis of water and as a by-product of the blue-green algae through photosynthesis. When the point was reached at which oxidative metabolism became thermodynamically possible, animal life evolved with all the principle phyla establishing themselves within a relatively short space of geological time. (Bernal 1973). DHA and nerve cell membranes DHA AND NERVE CELL MEMBRANES: From the chemistry of contemporary algae it is likely that animal life evolved in an n-3 rich environment although not exclusively so as smaller amounts of n-6 fatty acids would have been present. A key feature of the first animals was the evolution of the photoreceptor: in examples of marine, amphibian and modern mammalian species, it has been found to use docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as the principle membrane fatty acid in the phosphoglycerides. It is likely that the first animals did so as well. Coincidentally, the synaptic membranes involved in s
Doyle W, Crawford MA, Wynn AH, et al., 1989, Maternal magnesium intake and pregnancy outcome., Magnes Res, Vol: 2, Pages: 205-210, ISSN: 0953-1424
The magnesium intakes of 513 women towards the end of the first trimester of pregnancy were calculated from a record of food consumption for one week. Magnesium intake was found to be correlated with weight, length, and head circumference at birth as well as length of gestation up to a threshold of around 3200 g birthweight. Of the seven elements found to be significantly associated with these outcomes of pregnancy, magnesium was third in order of significance, after sodium and chloride. A subsample of mothers were given a supplement which provided 100 mg/day of magnesium during the second and third trimester: there was no effect on the outcome of pregnancy, suggesting that any influence of magnesium was confined to the first trimester or before. A maternal magnesium intake of 300 mg/day was compatible with observed optimum birthweight, length and head circumference.
Prentice A, Jarjou LM, Drury PJ, et al., 1989, Breast-milk fatty acids of rural Gambian mothers: effects of diet and maternal parity., J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr, Vol: 8, Pages: 486-490, ISSN: 0277-2116
The influence of diet and maternal parity on the fatty acid composition of mature breast milk have been studied in 23 rural Gambian mothers. The subjects' habitual diet was low in fat (16% total energy), groundnuts (peanuts) constituting the principal fat source. The high abundance of oleic and linoleic acids in groundnut fat were reflected in the proportions of these fatty acids in breast milk (47.0 +/- 1.5 and 13.0 +/- 0.3 g/100 g fat, respectively), which were elevated compared with mothers in other African communities. Estimates of daily breast-milk fatty acid secretion indicated that there was little risk of essential fatty acid deficiency in Gambian infants. The proportions of fatty acids synthesized de novo (10:0, 12:0, 14:0) were less than expected from published studies of mothers consuming low-fat diets, averaging 16.8 +/- 1.4 g/100 g fat. As the study was conducted at a time of food shortage and high energy expenditure, it is argued that mobilisation of body fat during negative energy balance increased the availability of long-chain fatty acids to the breast. The proportion of endogenous fatty acids was markedly reduced in the milk of mothers of very high parity (parity 1 = 19.3 +/- 1.6 g/100 g fat; parities 10 + = 11.4 +/- 1.5 g/100 g fat; p less than 0.01). It is hypothesised that this represents an impairment of the ability to synthesise breast-milk fatty acids de novo in these mothers.
Doyle W, Crawford MA, Wynn AHA, et al., 1989, Maternal nutrient intake and birth‐weight, Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Vol: 2, Pages: 415-422, ISSN: 0952-3871
The relation between diet towards the end of the first trimester of gestation and subsequent birth‐weights was examined in 419 singleton pregnancies. The mothers of babies of low birth‐weight were found to be consuming a diet significantly lower in energy and in some essential nutrients than the mothers of larger babies. Associations were also found between nutrient intakes, length of gestation and pre‐pregnancy maternal weight. Copyright © 1989, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved
Crawford MA, 1989, Is there a common denominator between fetal growth retardation and cardiovascular disease?, Acta Cardiol, Vol: 44, Pages: 449-453, ISSN: 0001-5385
Crawford MA, Doyle W, Drury P, et al., 1989, n-6 and n-3 fatty acids during early human development., J Intern Med Suppl, Vol: 731, Pages: 159-169, ISSN: 0955-7873
The food intakes of pregnant women were analysed from two contrasting socio-economic areas in London. There were significant differences in mean calorie and EFA intakes. Analysis of maternal and cord blood essential fatty acids (EFAs) in relation to birth weight, placental weight and head circumference were consistent with the dietary data. To assess the EFA tissue status of the low birth weight babies, the umbilical arteries from 14 separate babies of different birth weights were studied. Surprisingly high levels of the Mead acid (20:3 n-9) were found, with the highest appearing in the artery from the baby with the lowest birth weight. This data may not necessarily imply an EFA deficiency, but at the least it probably indicates a remarkable thirst for long chain n-6 and n-3 fatty acids for fetal brain development.
Kuhn DC, Crawford MA, Gordon GB, et al., 1988, Aspects of in vitro placental perfusion: effects of hyperoxia and phenol red., Placenta, Vol: 9, Pages: 201-213, ISSN: 0143-4004
The study of a number of parameters of placental function indicated that the perfused human placental lobe maintained its structural and functional integrity when PO2 levels in buffer perfusate were near physiological values, despite low O2 consumption. High O2 content in the perfusate may reduce placental transfer either through a direct vasoconstrictor effect or in combination with the destruction of vascular cyclo-oxygenase, resulting in the reduced synthesis of the vasodilator prostacyclin. A similar mechanism may be involved in the reduction of placental transfer observed in the presence of phenol red. These studies suggest that aspects of in vitro methodologies which may relate to prostaglandin production deserve careful consideration and further study.
Crawford MA, Harbige LS, 1988, n-3 fatty acids and the evolution of the brain., Prog Clin Biol Res, Vol: 282, Pages: 335-354, ISSN: 0361-7742
Budowski P, Leighfield MJ, Crawford MA, 1987, Nutritional encephalomalacia in the chick: an exposure of the vulnerable period for cerebellar development and the possible need for both omega 6- and omega 3-fatty acids., Br J Nutr, Vol: 58, Pages: 511-520, ISSN: 0007-1145
1. Cockerels (1-d-old) received over a period of 4 weeks, a balanced diet containing either safflower oil (diet S) or linseed oil (diet L) as a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Body-weight, and weights of cerebrum and cerebellum increased at similar rates in the two dietary groups. The total fatty acids (FA) of the cerebellum differed from the cerebral FA by their higher PUFA and oleic acid contents and their lower stearic acid level. During the 3rd week of life there was a spurt in accretion of PUFA in the cerebellum, but not in the cerebrum. At the end of the experimental period phosphatidylethanolamine was present at twice the concentration in the cerebellum, compared with the cerebrum. 2. Diets S and L resulted in extensive mutual replacement of omega 6- and omega 3-FA in brain, without any significant change in the total PUFA. Brain oleic acid concentration was higher in the diet-L group than in the diet-S group, but saturated FA were not affected by the dietary treatments. 3. These results may be relevant to basic brain biology and to chick nutritional encephalomalacia (NE). This disease, which specifically affects the cerebellum and is readily induced by diets supplying linoleic acid but deficient in vitamin E, usually reaches its highest incidence during the 3rd week of life and may thus be related to the cerebellar PUFA spurt that occurs at that time. The fact that NE was induced by linoleic acid, while alpha-linolenic acid exerted a protective action, points to an overproduction of arachidonic-derived eicosanoids as a factor in the etiology of the cerebellar lesion and possibly a structural change due to a loss of docosahexaenoic acid and gain of arachidonic acid in the chicks given diet S.
Fitzgerald G, Harbige LS, Forti A, et al., 1987, The effect of nutritional counselling on diet and plasma EFA status in multiple sclerosis patients over 3 years., Hum Nutr Appl Nutr, Vol: 41, Pages: 297-310, ISSN: 0263-8495
The dietary intake of 83 people with multiple sclerosis (MS) was assessed by the 7-day weighed intake method prior to dietary advice and at 6-monthly intervals thereafter up to 36 months. The P:S ratio of the diet increased from an initial value of 0.8 to 1.5 after 6 months and 1.34 at 36 months. Biochemical investigation of plasma essential fatty acid (EFA) status specifically linoleic, eicosapentanoic and docosahexanoic acids showed significant correlations with diet. Concurrent 6-monthly neurological and physiotherapy assessments were also carried out, the neurological results are discussed in relation to a nutrient scoring system.
Leyton J, Drury PJ, Crawford MA, 1987, In vivo incorporation of labeled fatty acids in rat liver lipids after oral administration., Lipids, Vol: 22, Pages: 553-558, ISSN: 0024-4201
Striking differences were found in the compartmentalization of fatty acids into liver lipid fractions. The saturated fatty acids--lauric, myristic, palmitic and stearic--were incorporated into phosphoglycerides at faster rates with increasing chain lengths, while triglyceride incorporation was almost uniform. The degree of incorporation of the unsaturated fatty acids into phosphoglycerides (structural) compared to triglyceride (storage and energy) was the converse of their oxidation rates. The incorporation of oleic, linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids was mainly into triglyceride, whereas dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid were preferentially incorporated into phosphoglycerides. The data suggest that distribution of each fatty acid is different depending on its destination for structural or energy function.
Crawford MA, Doyle W, Meadows N, 1987, Gender differences at birth and differences in fetal growth., Hum Reprod, Vol: 2, Pages: 517-520, ISSN: 0268-1161
The discrepancy between the number of boys and girls born has been interpreted as a natural selection response to differential survival prospects. There also exists a discrepancy in birth weight, length, head circumference at birth of boys and girls; on the other hand, placental weights were not so strongly biased by the sex of the fetus. Metabolic differences between the sexes are clearly recognized in adults. It is therefore argued that the anthropometric differences at birth, examples of which are presented in this paper, can only be achieved if the products of conception are also expressing a sexual bias in metabolism and physiology. It would then be this bias which would determine the efficiency of the implantation and growth processes and lead to rates of survival to birth. The speculation arising from this and the experimental manipulation of the sex ratio is that the physiological component most likely to be involved would be the lipid compartment with its strong sex difference.
Leyton J, Drury PJ, Crawford MA, 1987, Differential oxidation of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in vivo in the rat., Br J Nutr, Vol: 57, Pages: 383-393, ISSN: 0007-1145
The oxidation rates of lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic, alpha-linolenic, linoleic, kappa-linolenic, dihomo-gamma-linolenic and arachidonic acids were studied by use of a radioisotope tracer technique in weanling rats at rest in a metabolism chamber over 24 h. Of the saturated fatty acids, lauric acid (12:0) was the most efficient energy substrate: the longer the chain length of the saturated fatty acids, the slower the rate of oxidation. Oleic acid (18:1) was oxidized at a remarkably fast rate, similar to that of lauric acid. Of the omega 6 essential fatty acids studied, linoleic acid (18:2 omega 6) was oxidized at a faster rate than any of its metabolites, with arachidonic acid (20:4 omega 6) being oxidized at the slowest rate. The rate of oxidation of gamma-linolenic acid (18:3 omega 3) was almost as fast as that of lauric and oleic acids.
Williams G, Crawford MA, Perrin WF, 1987, Comparison of the fatty acid component in structural lipids from dolphins, zebra and giraffe: possible evolutionary implications, Journal of Zoology, Vol: 213, Pages: 673-684, ISSN: 0952-8369
Essential fatty acid compositional data on the structural lipids of mammals which predominantly eat n‐3 fatty acids suggests preferential incorporation of n‐6 essential fatty acids. The structural lipids of liver, muscle and brain of five species of dolphin (Tursiops truncatus, Stenella allenuata, Steno bredanesis, Delphinus delphis and Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), obtained from the wild, contained substantial amounts of arachidonic acid and other n‐6 long chain derivatives of linoleic acid. The n‐6 to n‐3 ratio was approximately 1:1. Data for two species of leaf‐eating land mammals, the zebra, Equus burchelli Gray and giraffe, Giraffa camelopardalis L., indicate that tissue phosphoglycerides were dominated by n‐6 fatty acids. Copyright © 1987, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved
Ferrell CL, Koong LJ, Nienaber JA, et al., 1987, Effect of previous nutrition on body composition and maintenance energy costs of growing lambs, British Journal of Nutrition, Vol: 57, ISSN: 0007-1145
Leyton J, Drury PJ, Crawford MA, 1987, CORRIGENDUM: Differential oxidation of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in vivo in the rat, British Journal of Nutrition, Vol: 58, ISSN: 0007-1145
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- Citations: 6
Crawford MA, Ward P, Lennon EA, 1987, Platelet fatty acid metabolisms and their functions., Bibl Nutr Dieta, Pages: 58-68, ISSN: 0067-8198
Crawford MA, Doyle W, Drury PJ, et al., 1987, Food intakes of children, the DHSS, and the prevention of heart disease., Nutr Health, Vol: 5, Pages: 65-77, ISSN: 0260-1060
The DHSS recently reported on school children's food intakes (1). Although the type of fat eaten is clearly an important issue, the DHSS study did not analyse the fat intake for its saturated and essential fatty acid content. We have explored the intakes of the children for fibre, sugar and saturated fats as well as additional vitamins and trace elements, not reported by the DHSS. The data from the DHSS survey was presented as a summary of the main food types eaten. They aggregated some food groups e.g. meat and meat products, fish and fish products, cakes and biscuits. While this approach might make little difference to protein intakes, it may be expected to make a difference to fat and essential fatty acid intakes. We have re-analyzed the childrens food intakes keeping within the confines of the food groups reported. We had to rely on certain assumptions about the nature of an 'average' diet; we therefore explored the possibility that our assumption of an average diet was incorrect and examined a worse and a better situation to define how much the nutrient intake varied. The result of the analyses illustrate an important principle in the context of the present concern for food and health. The only way in which we could satisfy NACNE and COMA recommendations for fat, saturated fat, fibre and sugar, without a radical change in eating habits, was by simply replacing half the 'junk' foods by an isocaloric amount of fresh fruit and vegetables. In addition there was a marked improvement in the intakes fo beta-carotene, vitamin C, B6 and folic acid. These improvements in diet are of particular importance to children as it is well known that the period most vulnerable to nutritional distortions is during growth and development. No matter which way we looked at the data is clear that not only are the school children's diets unsatisfactory from the view point of prevention of cardiovascular disease in later life but they also leave much to be desired from the view point of
Williams G, Crawford MA, 1987, The transfer of radiolabelled n-6 essential fatty acids by the mammary system of the tree-shrew (Tupia tana)., Comp Biochem Physiol B, Vol: 86, Pages: 575-580, ISSN: 0305-0491
The fatty acid content of tree-shrew milk has been determined from analysis of the stomach content of infants immediately after suckling. Comparison of the n-6 fatty acid composition of the stomach contents, liver and brain demonstrate a striking increment in the ratio of arachidonic to linoleic acid. Feeding radioactively labelled linoleic acid to the mother 24 hr prior to suckling showed that 12-20% was transferred to the milk. Evidence from the appearance of the radioactivity administered as linoleic acid into arachidonic acid indicates that this species is able to desaturate linoleic acid.
Sas M, Gellen JJ, Dusitsin N, et al., 1986, An investigation on the influence of steroidal contraceptives on milk lipid and fatty acids in Hungary and Thailand. WHO Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction. Task Force on oral contraceptives., Contraception, Vol: 33, Pages: 159-178, ISSN: 0010-7824
A double-blind clinical trial to examine the effects of oral and long-acting injectable contraceptive steroids on milk lipid and its fatty acid content has been done in Szeged, Hungary, and Khon-Kaen, Thailand. In Szeged, a combined and a progestin-only pill did not significantly alter total milk lipid. In Khon-Kaen, treatment with the combined pill was followed by a significant increase in the proportion of milk lipid. In the group treated with the long-acting injectable contraceptive, depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), the milk lipid decreased significantly in the first six weeks in comparison with the control group and the individual pretreatment values. A similar but weaker effect was noticed with the progestin-only pill in Khon-Kaen. Few consistently significant differences were found in the shorter chain fatty acids (myristic, lauric and palmitic acids) during treatment. The percentage proportions were increased during the combined pill treatment in Szeged and Khon-Kaen, and reduced in DMPA and progestin-only treatment in Khon-Kaen milks. The possibility that these reflected a response to a milk volume decrease in the combined pill treatment and a reduction in milk lipid synthesis in association with DMPA and the progestin-only pill is discussed. In Khon-Kaen, linoleic acid (which is not synthesized in the body) was increased by comparison with the controls, as a percentage proportion of the fatty acids in the progestin-only and DMPA groups. Calculation of the amounts of linoleic acid per litre of milk revealed that there had been a significant decrease of linoleic, eicosadienoic, dihommo-gamma-linolenic, arachidonic, docosatetraenoic acids in the w6 family and alpha-linolenic acid in the w3 family in the first two post-treatment visits (3 and 4). This reduction in essential fatty acid output follows the reduction in milk volume. In Khon-Kaen, the combined pill group showed a significant decrease compared with the controls, in the proportions of dihommo
Crawford MA, Doyle W, Craft IL, et al., 1986, A comparison of food intake during pregnancy and birthweight in high and low socioeconomic groups, Progress in Lipid Research, Vol: 25, Pages: 249-254, ISSN: 0163-7827
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- Citations: 22
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