Positive Health Online

Abstract

WALKER and COLLEAGUES, (1)Elsie Widdowson Laboratory, MRC Human Nutrition Research, Fulbourn Road, Cambridge CB1 9NL, UK; (2)MRC Biostatistics Unit, Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Institute of Public  Health, University Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0SR, UK; (3)Human Development and Health Academic Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (4)Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK conducted a double-blind, randomised, controlled intervention trial to determine whether age and sex influence EPA and DHA into plasma, cells and tissues in humans.

Background

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.

Methodology

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.

Results

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).

Conclusion

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.

References

Walker CG(1), Browning LM(1), Mander AP(2), Madden J(3), West AL(3), Calder PC(3), Jebb SA(4). Age and sex differences in the incorporation of EPA and DHA into plasma fractions, cells and adipose tissue in humans. Br J Nutr. Feb 2014. 111(4):679-89. doi: 10.1017/S0007114513002985. Epub Sep 24 2013.