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Changes in plasma fatty acid composition after intake of a standardised breakfast in prepubertal obese children

M Gil-Campos1, E Larqué, M C Ramírez-Tortosa

  • 1Unit of Paediatric Endocrinology, Reina Sofia University Hospital Córdoba, Spain.

The British Journal of Nutrition
|October 2, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Obese children have altered plasma fatty acid profiles, particularly in triglycerides, indicating impaired fat metabolism. This study highlights differences in post-meal fatty acid processing in prepubertal obesity.

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional biochemistry
  • Pediatric endocrinology
  • Lipid metabolism

Background:

  • Obesity is linked to dyslipidemia and altered fatty acid composition, but pediatric data are conflicting.
  • Understanding plasma fatty acid changes in prepubertal obesity is crucial for early intervention.
  • Previous studies on obese adults and animals show varied results, necessitating research in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare plasma fatty acid composition in total lipids and lipid fractions between obese and normal-weight prepubertal children.
  • To evaluate postprandial changes in plasma fatty acids for 3 hours after a standardized breakfast.
  • To identify specific fatty acids associated with obesity risk in this age group.

Main Methods:

  • Case-control study involving 34 obese and 20 normal-weight prepubertal children (Tanner stage 1).
  • Measurement of anthropometric and metabolic variables, and plasma fatty acid concentrations.
  • Liquid chromatography for lipid fraction separation and gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) for fatty acid quantification.

Main Results:

  • Obese children exhibited higher concentrations of total fatty acids (TFA), saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA).
  • Most triglyceride (TAG) fatty acids were elevated in obese children, with exceptions noted.
  • Normal-weight children showed a greater decrease in specific fatty acids (e.g., 16:1n-7, 18:0) between 2 and 3 hours post-meal compared to obese children, suggesting impaired clearance.

Conclusions:

  • Obese prepubertal children display distinct plasma fatty acid profiles, predominantly linked to triglyceride composition.
  • These children demonstrate reduced postprandial fatty acid clearance compared to their normal-weight peers.
  • Elevated 16:1n-7 and decreased 20:4n-6 proportions are associated with increased obesity risk.

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