FA composition of cholesteryl esters and phospholipids in maternal plasma during pregnancy and at delivery and in cord plasma at birth

Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation in Lactating Women Increases Breast Milk and Erythrocyte Membrane Docosahexaenoic Acid Concentrations and Alters Infant n-6:n-3 Fatty Acid Ratio

Background

Low concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or high n-6 (ω-6):n-3 ratio in pregnant women is associated with poor fetal growth velocity and suboptimal neurodevelopment. However, there is a lack of data on levels of important n-6 and n-3 fatty acids (FAs) at different time points during pregnancy and lactation from India. Data on how much DHA is transferred during actual supplementation are also scarce.

Objectives

We report the concentrations of n-6 and n-3 FAs in maternal and infant blood and in breast milk following maternal supplementation with DHA or placebo.

Methods

A total of 957 pregnant women (≤20 wk) from Belagavi, Karnataka, were randomly assigned to receive either 400 mg/d of algal DHA or placebo through 6 mo postpartum. Blood samples were collected from the mother at recruitment/baseline, delivery, and 6 mo postpartum and from the infant at birth (cord) and 12 mo (venous). Breast milk samples were collected from a subsample at delivery, 1 mo and 6 mo postpartum. The FA profile was analyzed using gas chromatography.

Results

The concentration of DHA appeared to be higher in erythrocyte and breast milk samples of the DHA-supplemented group at all subsequent time points. The n-6:n-3 ratio was lower among women in the DHA group at delivery [DHA: 4.08 (1.79); placebo: 5.84 (3.57); P < 0.001] and at 6 mo postpartum [DHA: 5.34 (2.64); placebo: 7.69 (2.9); P < 0.001]. Infants of DHA-supplemented mothers also had a lower n-6:n-3 ratio at delivery and 12 mo. The n-6:n-3 ratio of breast milk increased from delivery through 1 to 6 mo but remained lower in the DHA-supplemented group than in the placebo.

Conclusions

Maternal DHA supplementation with 400 mg/d from early pregnancy through 6 mo postpartum significantly increased circulating DHA in breast milk and infant erythrocyte, whereas decreased erythrocyte and breast milk n-6:n-3 ratio. However, maternal supplementation did not get the ratio to the recommended levels.

Associations of Plasma Fatty Acid Patterns During Pregnancy With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Background

Limited studies have explored the difference of fatty acid profile between women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and the results were inconsistent. Individual fatty acids tend to be interrelated because of the shared food sources and metabolic pathways. Thus, whether fatty acid patters during pregnancy were related to GDM odds needs further exploration.

Objective

To identify plasma fatty acid patters during pregnancy and their associations with odds of GDM.

Methods

A hospital-based case-control study including 217 GDM cases and 217 matched controls was carried out in urban Wuhan, China from August 2012 to April 2015. All the participants were enrolled at the time of GDM screening and provided fasting blood samples with informed consent. We measured plasma concentrations of fatty acids by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and derived potential fatty acid patterns (FAPs) through principal components analysis. Conditional logistic regression and restricted cubic spline model were used to evaluate the associations between individual fatty acids or FAPs and odds of GDM.

Results

Twenty individual fatty acids with relative concentrations ≥0.05% were included in the analyses. Compared with control group, GDM group had significantly higher concentrations of total fatty acids, 24:1n-9, and relatively lower levels of 14:0, 15:0, 17:0, 18:0, 24:0, 16:1n-7, 20:1n-9,18:3n-6, 20:2n-6, 18:3n-3, 20:3n-3, 22:5n-3. Two novel patterns of fatty acids were identified to be associated with lower odds of GDM: (1) relatively higher odd-chain fatty acids, 14:0, 18:0, 18:3n-3, 20:2n-6, 20:3n-6 and lower 24:1n-9 and 18:2n-6 [adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval) (CI) for quartiles 4 vs. 1: 0.42 (0.23-0.76), P-trend = 0.002], (2) relatively higher n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, 24:0, 18:3n-6 and lower 16:0 and 20:4n-6 [adjusted OR (95% CI) for quartiles 4 vs. 1: 0.48 (0.26-0.90), P-trend = 0.018].

Conclusion

Our findings suggested that two novel FAPs were inversely associated with GDM odds. The combination of circulating fatty acids could be a more significant marker of GDM development than individual fatty acids or their subgroups.

Small-Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements Increase Infants' Plasma Essential Fatty Acid Levels in Ghana and Malawi: A Secondary Outcome Analysis of the iLiNS-DYAD Randomized Trials

INTRODUCTION

Small-quantity (SQ) lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNSs) may influence infants' plasma fatty acid (FA) profiles, which could be associated with short- and long-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to determine the impact of SQ-LNS consumption on infants' plasma FA profiles in Ghana and Malawi.

METHODS

Ghanaian (n = 1320) and Malawian (n = 1391) women ≤20 weeks pregnant were assigned to consume 60 mg iron and 400 μg folic acid daily until delivery [iron and folic acid (IFA) group], multiple-micronutrient supplements (MMNs) until 6 months postpartum (MMN group), or SQ-LNSs (∼7.8 linoleic acid:α-linolenic acid ratio) until 6 months postpartum (LNS group). LNS group infants received SQ-LNS from 6 to 18 months of age. We compared infant plasma FAs by intervention group in subsamples (n = 379 in Ghana; n = 442 in Malawi) at 6 and 18 months using ANOVA and Poisson regression models. Main outcomes were mean percentage compositions (%Cs; percentage of FAs by weight) of α-linolenic acid (ALA), linoleic acid (LA), EPA, DHA, and arachidonic acid (AA).

RESULTS

At 6 months, LNS infants had greater mean ± SD ALA %Cs in Ghana (0.23 ± 0.08; IFA, 0.21 ± 0.06; MMN, 0.21 ± 0.07; P = 0.034) and Malawi (0.42 ± 0.16; IFA, 0.38 ± 0.15; MMN, 0.38 ± 0.14; P = 0.034) and greater AA values in Ghana (6.25 ± 1.24; IFA, 6.12 ± 1.13; MMN, 5.89 ± 1.24; P = 0.049). At 18 months, LNS infants had a tendency towards greater ALA (0.32 ± 0.16; IFA, 0.24 ± 0.08; MMN, 0.24 ± 0.10; P = 0.06) and LA (27.8 ± 3.6; IFA, 26.9 ± 2.9; MMN, 27.0 ± 3.1; P = 0.06) in Ghana, and greater ALA (0.45 ± 0.18; IFA, 0.39 ± 0.18; MMN, 0.39 ± 0.18; P < 0.001) and LA (29.7 ± 3.5; IFA, 28.7 ± 3.3; MMN, 28.6 ± 3.4; P = 0.011) in Malawi. The prevalence of ALA below the population-specific 10th percentile was lower in the LNS group compared to the MMN group, but not the IFA group. Groups did not differ significantly in plasma EPA or DHA levels.

CONCLUSIONS

SQ-LNS increased infants' plasma essential FA levels in Ghana and Malawi, which may have implications for health and developmental outcomes. These trials were registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00970866 and NCT01239693.

Fatty Acid Profile and Metabolism Are Related to Human Sperm Parameters and Are Relevant in Idiopathic Infertility and Varicocele

Objectives

Fatty acids (FA) modulate oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and inflammatory processes in spermatogenesis.

Methods

The amount of 17 different FAs and the level of F₂-isoprostanes (F₂-IsoPs) and cytoplasmic phospholipase A₂ (cPLA₂) were compared and correlated to sperm characteristics; these last ones were evaluated by light and electronic microscopy in varicocele and idiopathic infertile patients.

Results

Total n-3 polyunsaturated acids (PUFAs) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), one of the n-3 PUFAs, were significantly reduced in idiopathic infertile men compared to controls (P < 0.05). In the whole studied population, oleic acid and total monounsaturated acids (MUFAs) correlated negatively with sperm concentration, progressive motility, normal morphology, vitality, and fertility index and positively with sperm necrosis. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) amount was positively correlated with the percentage of sperm necrosis and cPLA₂ level and negatively with sperm concentration. Sperm vitality was negatively correlated with the saturated fatty acids (SFAs). In infertile groups, cPLA₂ was negatively correlated with DHA and n-3 PUFAs (both P < 0.05) and positively with EPA (P < 0.05). In the varicocele group, sperm vitality was negatively correlated with palmitoleic acid and total n-6 PUFAs (P < 0.05); sperm apoptosis was positively correlated with the total SFA percentage (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

FA composition in sperm membrane and the metabolism of sperm FAs are interrelated parameters, both relevant in sperm maturation processes and fertility.

Relationship between Changes in Fatty Acid Composition of the Erythrocyte Membranes and Fatty Acid Intake during Pregnancy in Pregnant Japanese Women

OBJECTIVE

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an important nutrient required by pregnant women and fetuses. Several studies suggest that fatty acid composition changes during pregnancy. However, the association of longitudinal changes in erythrocyte fatty acid composition and dietary fatty acid intake during pregnancy is not well understood. We assessed the relationship between fatty acid composition of the erythrocyte membranes and fatty acid intake at each trimester in pregnant Japanese women.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective hospital-based cohort study. We investigated fatty acid composition of the erythrocyte membranes and intake of fatty acids during the three trimesters in 178 healthy, pregnant Japanese women.

RESULTS

The eicosapentaenoic acid and arachidonic acid percentage of the erythrocyte membranes significantly decreased. The percentages of linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid significantly increased during pregnancy. The DHA percentage in the erythrocyte membranes decreased from the second to the third trimester. The DHA percentage in the erythrocyte membranes positively correlated with DHA intake in the third trimester.

CONCLUSION

In pregnant Japanese women, the fatty acid composition of the erythrocyte membranes markedly changed throughout pregnancy. The DHA intake in the third trimester may be insufficient to maintain DHA percentage in the maternal erythrocyte membranes.

Association of maternal whole blood fatty acid status during the prenatal period with term birth dimensions: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate selected fatty acid (FA) profiles in maternal whole blood during normal pregnancy and to evaluate their associations with term birth dimensions.

METHODS

We characterized nine major maternal blood FAs representing four FA families during the second and third trimester of pregnancy, and explored their associations with birth weight, length, and chest or head circumferences by multivariate regression models, using data from 318 mother-newborn pairs of the Hokkaido Study.

RESULTS

The absolute and/or relative contents of maternal blood docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid were lowest at 35-41 gestational weeks during pregnancy, as was the essential FA status index. Different from palmitic and stearic acids, palmitoleic and oleic acid contents were higher at 35-41 gestational weeks than those at 23-31 gestational weeks. Three FA components were identified through principal component analysis, and were used in association analysis. Component 3, which was positively and significantly loaded by eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), was associated with chest circumference [β=0.281, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.006, 0.556] at 35-41 gestational weeks (P=0.046). No significant associations were observed for Component 1 and 2 loaded by FAs except EPA.

CONCLUSION

Maternal blood EPA content may have an important influence on infant chest circumference.

Effects of exposure to Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate during fetal period on next generation

The concept of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) is bringing new insights into the origin of lifestyle diseases: unbalanced nutrition in utero and during infancy is associated with an increased risk of lifestyle diseases. In order to clarify this association, experimental and epidemiological studies have been conducted. Maternal exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), an agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), decreases the number of live fetuses and newborn pups, and their body weights, and it enhances fetal desorption in wild-type mice. Similarly, these DEHP were also observed in mice expressing human PPARα, but not in PPARα-null mice. These results suggest that the DEHP toxicity in offspring is caused dependently on PPARα. DEHP suppresses the increase in the levels of plasma triglyceride (TG)/fatty acids (FAs) only in wild-type pregnant mice, suggesting that the decreased lipid levels in utero may affect the fetus development, because TG/FAs are essential in the development of fetuses. Additionally, maternal DEHP exposure decreases estrogen and progesterone balances, which may also explain the effects on fetuses and pups mentioned above. Indeed, DEHP itself or metabolite(s) may induce the toxicity, because a difference in the metabolic route is observed between the wild-type and PPARα-null mice. Thus, we were unable to conclude the causal factor(s) for the DEHP-induced offspring toxicity, that is, whether it is a direct or an indirect effect of the chemical or metabolite(s) via the toxic effects on maternal mice; however, PPARα is indeed associated with in offspring toxicity.

trans Isomeric fatty acids are inversely related to the availability of long-chain PUFAs in the perinatal period

We summarize data on the potential interaction of trans isomeric fatty acids [trans fatty acids (TFAs)] with the availability of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) in the perinatal period. Today, TFA intakes in pregnant and lactating women can be estimated to be ∼1% of energy in the majority of the population. The significant inverse associations seen between TFAs and LC-PUFAs in pregnant women in 3 different European populations investigated in a recent study raise doubts about the nutritional adequacy of high TFA intakes during pregnancy. In a recent study on the TFA content of human milk in a sizable group of mothers at the sixth week of lactation, both arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids correlated significantly inversely to 18-carbon TFAs but not to 16-carbon TFAs, and at the sixth month of lactation arachidonic acid correlated significantly inversely to 18-carbon TFAs but not to 16-carbon TFAs. Similarly, significant inverse correlations were seen between 18-carbon TFAs and arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids in both artery and vein wall lipids in a sizable group of healthy term infants. The TFA data obtained in umbilical blood vessel wall lipids were related to the neurologic condition of healthy children at 18 mo of age: children with minimal neurologic dysfunction at age 18 mo had significantly higher cord blood vein wall trans octadecadienoic acid values than did neurologically normal children. Total TFA values as well as total 18-carbon TFA values in umbilical vein wall lipids were significantly inversely associated with neurologic optimality score. Contradictory data renders it impossible to draw firm conclusions on the role of TFAs in modifying fetal growth; however, TFA exposure may be a confounding parameter in studies that investigate the relation between fetal fatty acid supply and intrauterine growth.

A prospective study of maternal fatty acids, micronutrients and homocysteine and their association with birth outcome

Our earlier studies both in animals and in humans have indicated that micronutrients (folic acid, vitamin B12) and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are interlinked in the one-carbon cycle, which plays an important role in fetal 'programming' of adult diseases. The present study examines the levels of maternal and cord plasma fatty acids, maternal folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine in healthy mothers at various time points during pregnancy and also examine an association between them. A longitudinal study of 106 normal pregnant women was carried out, and maternal blood was collected at three time points, viz., T1 = 16-20th week, T2 = 26-30th week and T3 = at delivery. Cord blood was collected at delivery. Fatty acids were estimated using a gas chromatograph. Levels of folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine were estimated by the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) technology. Maternal plasma folate (P < 0.05), vitamin B12 (P < 0.01) and DHA (P < 0.05) levels were lowest, while maternal homocysteine levels were highest (P < 0.01) at T3. There was a negative association between maternal DHA and homocysteine at T2 (P < 0.05) and T3 (P < 0.01). There was a positive association between plasma DHA in maternal blood at T3 and cord blood. Furthermore, there was a positive association between maternal folate and vitamin B12 at T3 and baby weight, whereas maternal homocysteine at T1 were inversely associated with baby weight at delivery. Our study provides evidence for the associations of folic acid, vitamin B12, homocysteine with DHA and baby weight, suggesting that a balanced dietary supplementation of folate-vitamin B12-DHA during pregnancy may be beneficial.

Fatty acids as biocompounds: their role in human metabolism, health and disease: a review. part 2: fatty acid physiological roles and applications in human health and disease

BACKGROUND

This is the second of two review parts aiming at describing the major physiological roles of fatty acids, as well as their applications in specific conditions related to human health.

RESULTS

The review included the current literature published in Pubmed up to March 2011. In humans, fatty acids are a principle energy substrate and structural components of cell membranes (phospholipids) and second messengers. Fatty acids are also ligands of nuclear receptors affecting gene expression. Longer-chain (LC) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and arachidonic acid are precursors of lipid mediators such as eicosanoids (prostaglandins, leukotrienes, thromboxanes), resolvins and neuroprotectins. Lipid mediators produced by EPA and DHA (LC n-3 PUFA; mainly found in oily fish) are considered as inflammation-resolving, and thus, fish oil has been characterised as antiinflammatory. Recommendations for EPA plus DHA intake from oily fish vary between 250-450 mg/day. Dietary reference values for fat vary between nutrition bodies, but mainly agree on a low total and saturated fat intake. The existing literature supports the protective effects of LC n-3 PUFA (as opposed to n-6 PUFA and saturated fat) in maternal and offspring health, cardiovascular health, insulin sensitivity, the metabolic syndrome, cancer, critically ill patients, and immune system disorders.

CONCLUSION

Fatty acids are involved in multiple pathways and play a major role in health. Further investigation and a nutrigenomics approach to the effects of these biocompounds on health and disease development are imperative and highlight the importance of environmental modifications on disease outcome.

The Salmon in Pregnancy Study: study design, subject characteristics, maternal fish and marine n-3 fatty acid intake, and marine n-3 fatty acid status in maternal and umbilical cord blood

BACKGROUND

Oily fish provides marine n-3 (omega-3) fatty acids that are considered to be important in the growth, development, and health of the fetus and newborn infant.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives were to increase salmon consumption among pregnant women and to determine the effect on maternal and umbilical cord plasma marine n-3 fatty acid content.

DESIGN

Women (n = 123) with low habitual consumption of oily fish were randomly assigned to continue their habitual diet or were provided with 2 portions of farmed salmon/wk to include in their diet from week 20 of pregnancy until delivery.

RESULTS

Median weekly consumption frequency of study salmon in the salmon group was 1.94 portions, and total fish consumption frequency was 2.11 portions/wk in the salmon group and 0.47 portions/wk in the control group (P < 0.001). Intakes of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from the diet, from seafood, and from oily fish were higher in the salmon group (all P < 0.001). Percentages of EPA and DHA in plasma phosphatidylcholine decreased during pregnancy in the control group (P for trend = 0.029 and 0.008, respectively), whereas they increased in the salmon group (P for trend for both < 0.001). EPA and DHA percentages were higher in maternal plasma phosphatidylcholine at weeks 34 and 38 of pregnancy and in umbilical cord plasma phosphatidylcholine in the salmon group (P < 0.001 for all).

CONCLUSION

If pregnant women, who do not regularly eat oily fish, eat 2 portions of salmon/wk, they will increase their intake of EPA and DHA, achieving the recommended minimum intake; and they will increase their and their fetus' status of EPA and DHA. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00801502.

Fatty acid composition of diet, cord blood and breast milk in Chinese mothers with different dietary habits

The influence of two different dietary patterns on maternal fatty acid (FA) intake on the composition of umbilical cord blood plasma phospholipids and transitional breast milk was investigated. A 7-day dietary record was completed in the last trimester of pregnancy by women living in an inland and a coastal area of south-eastern China. The FA composition in maternal diet was calculated using the 2002 Chinese food composition database. Cord blood and transitional breast milk samples were collected and their FA composition was analyzed by capillary gas-liquid chromatography. Mothers in the coastal area showed higher intake of long-chain polyunsaturated FA (LCPUFA) including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6omega) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA,20:5omega3) but lower linoleic acid (LA, 18:2omega6) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3omega3) than the mothers in the inland area. The intake of arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4omega6) did not differ between the two areas. LA, ALA, AA and DHA in breast milk of day 5 reflected the maternal diet except that the EPA content in breast milk at day 5 was similar for the areas. LA, ALA and AA were lower and EPA higher in umbilical cord plasma phospholipids in infants from the costal compared to the inland area. There were significant differences in maternal intakes of FA confirming different dietary habits, which influenced the FA composition of cord plasma phospholipids and transitional breast milk. Since FA influence gene expression the found variation implies that the long-term follow-up of this cohort will be interesting.

Cord blood lipoproteins and prenatal influences

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Blood lipoprotein profiles in early life are known to be related to and predictive of those in adulthood, but little is known about their determinants. Genetic and environmental influences affect cord blood lipoproteins, but how this occurs and the relative contribution of these influences to the overall profile in healthy newborns remains uncertain.

RECENT FINDINGS

This review discusses findings from a range of earlier and more recent studies, and summarizes the key influences on cord blood lipoproteins. In particular, we review the potential contribution of maternal blood total cholesterol levels during pregnancy and the increased maternal transmission in newborns of mothers with diabetes.

SUMMARY

In cord blood, cholesterol levels are lower than in adults and the relative proportion present in HDL as opposed to LDL is much higher. The currently available evidence suggests that several factors influence the composition of cord blood lipoproteins. Although inheritance of major monogenic disorders can affect cord lipids in general, the genetic contribution appears to be minimal, although effects of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexine type 9 gene (PCSK9) need fuller exploration in this regard in certain ethnic groups. Evidence is summarized that maternal lipoprotein levels, particularly those due to diet or induced by pregnancy, influence cord lipid levels. Placental insufficiency and other conditions affecting fetal growth and the mode of delivery may also influence cord lipoprotein concentrations. How maternal glucose tolerance during pregnancy affects cord blood lipoproteins remains unclear. In view of increasing evidence that cardiovascular risk may have prenatal antecedents, this would seem to be an important area for further investigation.

Polychlorinated biphenyls and menstrual cycle characteristics

BACKGROUND

Experimental studies in nonhuman primates provide evidence that low-level exposure to persistent organochlorine pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may affect aspects of their menstrual cycle, including cycle length, regularity, and bleeding duration. Few studies have examined these associations in humans.

METHODS

We used data from 2314 pregnant women who participated in the Collaborative Perinatal Project, a cohort study that enrolled pregnant women in the 1960s in 12 centers in the United States. Information about usual (prepregnancy) menstrual cycle length, regularity, bleeding duration, and dysmenorrhea was collected at enrollment, and 11 PCBs and p,p'-DDE (1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE) were measured in stored blood samples collected during the third trimester of pregnancy. We used multivariate linear and logistic regression to examine the association between organochlorine levels and menstrual cycles, adjusting for demographic factors, cholesterol, and triglycerides.

RESULTS

Total PCBs were positively associated with increasing menstrual cycle length (adjusted difference across 5 categories of PCB exposure = 0.7 days, trend-test P value = 0.02). Irregular cycles were slightly more frequent among those in the 2 highest categories of PCB exposure (odds ratio for highest category = 1.5; 95% confidence interval = 0.70-3.3), and there also was some evidence of an association with DDE. The strengths of these associations increased with various exclusions made to decrease potential misclassification of the outcome and the exposures. There was little evidence for associations between DDE or PCBs and bleeding duration, heavy bleeding, or dysmenorrhea.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports experimental studies in monkeys showing an effect of low-dose PCB exposure on menstrual function.

Fatty acid composition of phospholipids and cholesteryl esters in maternal serum in the early puerperium

The fatty acid composition of serum phospholipids (PL) and cholesteryl esters (CE) in 26 healthy pregnant women at the end of term and 1 and 3 days after delivery was analysed in order to determine whether the maternal serum fatty acid composition changes in the early puerperium. The composition of the saturated fatty acids significantly changes in the PL fraction: 16:0 decreased and 18:0 increased. Both 20:4n-6 and 20:5 n-3 significantly increased after parturition in serum PL while 22:6n-3 remained constant at the three sampling time points. The sum of HUFA was slightly higher 3 days postpartum compared to the prepartum data. The essential fatty acid index significantly increased after delivery. In the CE fraction too differences occurred during puerperium: 18:2n-6 and 20:4n-6 increased and 18:1n-9 decreased after parturition. The sum of the n-3 fatty acids in CE remained unaltered. The EFA index significantly improved both in PL as in CE after delivery. In conclusion, the previously reported changes in the fatty acid composition of PL and CE during normal pregnancy diminish shortly after delivery. In fact, very soon after delivery the maternal fatty acid composition returns to more normal values.