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Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Assessment of the Metabolic Effects of Isocaloric 2:1 Intermittent Fasting in Mice
08:06

Assessment of the Metabolic Effects of Isocaloric 2:1 Intermittent Fasting in Mice

Published on: November 27, 2019

Intermittent fasting increases plasma arachidonic acid.

Nina Kahle1, Sebastian Kunkel1, Selina Böttcher2

  • 1Medical Department B, Division of Hepatology, Gastroenterology, Oncology, Hematology, Palliative Care, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Brandenburg Medical School, University Hospital Ruppin-Brandenburg, Neuruppin, Germany; Nutrition Skills Lab, Brandenburg Medical School (MHB), Neuruppin, Germany; Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Joint Faculty of the University of Potsdam, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg and Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane (MHB), Potsdam, Germany.

Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids
|July 15, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Intermittent fasting (IF) alters blood fatty acid (FA) profiles, particularly in normal-weight individuals, with potential impacts on inflammatory pathways. Overweight/obese participants experienced metabolic improvements without significant FA changes.

Keywords:
Arachidonic acidFatty acidsInflammationMetabolic healthintermittent fasting

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Assessing Whole-Body Lipid-Handling Capacity in Mice
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Last Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Assessment of the Metabolic Effects of Isocaloric 2:1 Intermittent Fasting in Mice
08:06

Assessment of the Metabolic Effects of Isocaloric 2:1 Intermittent Fasting in Mice

Published on: November 27, 2019

Assessing Whole-Body Lipid-Handling Capacity in Mice
07:57

Assessing Whole-Body Lipid-Handling Capacity in Mice

Published on: November 24, 2020

Area of Science:

  • Nutrition Science
  • Metabolic Health
  • Inflammation Biology

Background:

  • Intermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary strategy with potential metabolic and anti-inflammatory benefits.
  • Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are key mediators of inflammation and metabolic processes.
  • The interplay between IF, PUFAs, and metabolic health requires further clinical investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of a 16:8 IF regimen on blood fatty acid (FA) composition.
  • To assess associated changes in metabolic endpoints in normal-weight and overweight/obese individuals.
  • To explore PUFA alterations as a potential mechanism for IF's effects.

Main Methods:

  • A 16:8 intermittent fasting (IF) protocol was followed by 39 participants for 4 weeks.
  • Blood samples were analyzed for fatty acid (FA) composition, focusing on omega-6 and omega-3 PUFAs.
  • Body weight, BMI, lipid profiles, liver parameters, and specific FA indices were measured at baseline and post-intervention.

Main Results:

  • Intermittent fasting (IF) induced plasma FA mobilization and increased the omega-6/omega-3 ratio in normal-weight individuals.
  • Arachidonic acid (AA) and the Delta-5-desaturase (D5D) index increased, while the EPA/AA ratio decreased across the cohort.
  • Overweight/obese participants showed stable FA profiles but significant metabolic improvements, including weight loss and reduced liver fat.

Conclusions:

  • Intermittent fasting (IF) elicits weight-dependent changes in plasma fatty acid (FA) composition.
  • Normal-weight individuals exhibited a shift towards omega-6 PUFAs, suggesting IF may influence inflammatory pathways.
  • Metabolic benefits in overweight/obese individuals occurred despite minimal alterations in FA profiles.