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Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Dietary Supplementation of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: November 29, 2013
Low DHA and plasmalogens associated with a precise PUFA-rich diet devoid of DHA
Norris R Glick1, Milton H Fischer
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin, USA. norris.glick@dhs.wisconsin.gov
Objectives:
Fatty acids, being multi-functional and partially diet-dependent, are crucial for health yet optimal dietary composition remains controversial. Previous work suggests that nutritionally-dependent populations live with significant fatty acid abnormalities despite abundant polyunsaturated fatty acid intake.
Design And Methods:
An analysis of fasting plasma phospholipids, including plasmalogens, and total fatty acids was conducted on twelve tube-fed people receiving a uniform diet which meets current polyunsaturated fatty acid intake recommendations, specifically, linoleic acid as 8.1% of energy and alpha-linolenic acid as 1.3% of energy for at least two years.
Results:
Eicosapentaenoic- and docosahexaenoic acid-related phospholipids were low. In addition, C16:0- and C18:0-related plasmalogens, components of phospholipids, were low. Essential fatty acid deficiency as classically defined was not present.
Conclusions:
Based upon extensive clinical investigations in neuro-typical people, abnormalities of these key cell-membrane components may have undesirable clinical consequences. In particular, docosahexaenoic acid sufficiency needs to be assured. Comprehensive re-evaluation of current recommendations may be necessary.
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