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Do trans fatty acids impair linoleic acid metabolism in children?
1Kinderpoliklinik der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, Deutschland.
Insights
Trans fatty acids in children may disrupt essential fatty acid metabolism, particularly arachidonic acid production. This finding raises concerns about the safety of high trans fatty acid intake during childhood development.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Biochemistry
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Trans fatty acids (TFAs) are known to negatively impact essential polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) metabolism in animals and premature infants.
- The effects of TFAs on PUFA metabolism in healthy children remain less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between trans fatty acid intake and plasma phospholipid fatty acid composition in healthy children.
- To determine if TFAs interfere with the metabolism of essential fatty acids, specifically linoleic acid and its n-6 metabolites, in a pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Plasma phospholipid fatty acid composition was analyzed in 53 healthy children aged 1-15 years.
- Quantification of trans fatty acids, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, and other n-6 metabolites was performed.
- Statistical analyses were used to assess correlations between TFA levels and PUFA metabolism indicators.
Main Results:
- Trans fatty acids were detected in all child samples, averaging 1.78% (w/w).
- Significant inverse correlations were observed between total trans fatty acids and arachidonic acid (a key n-6 metabolite).
- Trans fatty acids also showed an inverse correlation with the arachidonic acid to linoleic acid ratio, suggesting impaired conversion.
Conclusions:
- Trans fatty acids are associated with altered metabolism of essential n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in healthy children.
- Findings suggest that TFAs may inhibit arachidonic acid biosynthesis in children.
- The study questions the safety of high dietary trans fatty acid consumption in childhood due to potential impacts on growth and development.
Abstract:
Trans isomeric fatty acids disturb the metabolism of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids in animals and in premature infants. We assessed whether similar effects may also occur in healthy children. Plasma phospholipid fatty acid composition was analysed in 53 apparently healthy children aged 1-15 years (mean 7.5 years). Trans fatty acids were found in all samples and contributed 1.78 +/- 0.10% (w/w, mean +/- SEM). There was no relation of the major trans isomer octadecenoic acid and of total trans fatty acids to the precursor essential fatty acid linoleic acid. In contrast, we found significant inverse correlations of trans octadecenoic acid and total trans isomers to the principal n-6 metabolite arachidonic acid as well as to the sum of all n-6 metabolites. Furthermore, there was an inverse correlation of total trans fatty acids to the ratio of arachidonic to linoleic acid, an indirect indicator of linoleic acid conversion. These findings are compatible with inhibition of arachidonic acid biosynthesis by trans fatty acids. Since the availability of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, including arachidonic acid, is of essential importance for tissue growth and development, these findings question the safety of high dietary trans fatty acid intakes in childhood.