Dietary linoleic acid, gastric acid, and prostaglandin secretion

H W Grant ¹, K R Palmer , R W Kelly

⁰Gastrointestinal Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

Gastroenterology +

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April 1, 1988

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Dietary linoleic acid supplementation in normal subjects weakly inhibits gastric acid secretion. This essential fatty acid also significantly increases gastric prostaglandin E output.

Area Of Science

Gastroenterology
Nutrition Science
Biochemistry

Background

Gastric acid secretion is regulated by complex physiological mechanisms.
Prostaglandins play a role in modulating gastric function.
Essential fatty acids are dietary components with potential physiological effects.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate the effect of linoleic acid supplementation on gastric acid secretion.
To assess changes in serum gastrin concentrations.
To measure the impact on gastric prostaglandin E output.

Main Methods

Nine healthy subjects received dietary linoleic acid for 14-20 days.
Gastric acid secretion was measured basally and after pentagastrin stimulation.
Fasting serum gastrin and gastric prostaglandin E and its metabolite levels were quantified.

Main Results

Maximal gastric acid output significantly decreased post-supplementation (p<0.05).
Fasting serum gastrin concentrations significantly increased (p<0.01), suggesting acid suppression.
Gastric prostaglandin E and its metabolite output showed significant increases (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively).

Conclusions

Linoleic acid demonstrates a weak inhibitory effect on gastric acid secretion in humans.
Linoleic acid significantly enhances gastric prostaglandin output.
These findings suggest a role for essential fatty acids in regulating gastric physiology via prostaglandin pathways.

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