Effects of malnutrition on the erythrocyte fatty acid composition and plasma vitamin E levels of Pakistani children |
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Authors: | EN Smit JM Dijkstra TA Schnater E Seerat FAJ Muskiet ER Boersma |
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Affiliation: | Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Perinatal Nutrition and Development Unit;Central Laboratory for Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands;Federal Government Services Hospital, Department of Paediatrics, Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan |
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Abstract: | Abstract Erythrocyte fatty acids and plasma vitamin E concentrations were determined in 47 grade 2 and 21 grade 3 malnourished Pakistani children (ages 4–56 months). Data were compared with those of 26 age- and sex-matched apparently healthy controls. Evaluation with three statistical approaches revealed that both grade 2 and grade 3 malnourished children had decreased erythrocyte ω6 fatty acids and to a lesser extent decreased ω3 fatty acids. These decreases were compensated for by increased ω9 fatty acids. The patients tended to have lower plasma vitamin E concentrations. We conclude that malnourished Pakistani children have low essential fatty acid status, notably those of the ω6 series. The combination of low erythrocyte 22:6ω3 and a low 22:5ω6/22:4ω6 ratio in grade 2 patients suggests low Δ4-desaturation activity, which may be due to impaired peroxisomal β-oxidation. |
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Keywords: | Children erythrocytes essential fatty acids malnutrition Pakistan vitamin E |
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