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Longitudinal circulating concentrations of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in the third trimester of pregnancy in gestational diabetes

Zhao JP, Levy E, Shatenstein B, Fraser WD, Julien P, Montoudis A, Spahis S, Xiao L et al.

Diabetic medicine : a journal of the British Diabetic Association, 2016

116 participants

Abstract

AIM: Gestational diabetes mellitus is a common complication of pregnancy. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) are essential for fetal neurodevelopment. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is the predominant n-3 LCPUFA in the brain and retina. Circulating absolute concentrations of total n-3 and n-6 LCPUFAs rise during normal pregnancy. It remains unclear whether gestational diabetes may affect the normal rise in circulating concentrations of LCPUFAs in the third trimester of pregnancy - a period of rapid fetal neurodevelopment. This study aimed to address this question.

METHODS: In a prospective singleton pregnancy cohort, fatty acids in fasting plasma total lipids were measured at 24-28 and 32-35 weeks of gestation in women with (n = 24) and without gestational diabetes mellitus (n = 116). Fatty acid desaturase activity indices were estimated by relevant product-to-precursor fatty acid ratios. Dietary nutrient intakes were estimated by a food frequency questionnaire.

RESULTS: Plasma absolute concentrations of total n-6 LCPUFAs rose significantly between 24-28 and 32-35 weeks of gestation in women with or without gestational diabetes, whereas total n-3 LCPUFAs and DHA concentrations rose significantly only in women without gestational diabetes (all P < 0.01). Delta-5 desaturase indices (20:4n-6/20:3n-6) were similar, but delta-6 desaturase indices (18:3n-6/18:2n-6) were significantly lower in women with gestational diabetes at 32-35 weeks of gestation. Dietary intakes of…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a case-control, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 116 participants or records.

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