Measurement of Dietary Intake of Fatty Acids in Pregnant Women: Comparison of Self-Reported Intakes with Adipose Tissue Levels

Differences in fatty acid profiles and desaturation indices of abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue between pregnant women with and without PCOS

The objective was to determine the differences in fatty acid (FA) profiles in subcutaneous adipose tissue (AT) between pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and those without PCOS. FA profiles of AT samples from 13 PCOS and 32 non-PCOS, all of whom underwent caesarean section were compared using gas chromatography. Age and BMI in the two groups were similar. Twenty-one FAs were detected and the total saturated FA percentage of experimental groups was similar. While the total monounsaturated FA (MUFA) (p < 0.0004) and desaturase index (18:1 cis-9/18:0; p < 0.03) were higher in PCOS women than non-PCOS women, total polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) was lower in PCOS than non-PCOS women (p < 0.004). Docosahexaenoic acid level of the two groups was similar while α-linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid levels were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in PCOS. Total trans-FA, C18:1 t9 and C18:2t were lower in PCOS women (p < 0.05). These results indicate differences in desaturase index, MUFA and PUFA, especially n-3 FA in AT between age and BMI-matched pregnant PCOS and non-PCOS pregnant subjects. Further studies are warranted to replicate these findings and to investigate potential changes in these profiles in non-pregnant PCOS women.

A Correlation Study of DHA Intake Estimated by a FFQ and Concentrations in Plasma and Erythrocytes in Mid- and Late Pregnancy

Adequate docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is essential for the optimal growth and development of the fetus. Maternal DHA content fluctuates during pregnancy. The correlation of DHA content with dietary intake might be varied over the course of pregnancy. We aimed to compare the dietary DHA intake, estimated by a DHA-specific semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) against its blood content, among mid- and late-term pregnant women. A total of 804 Chinese pregnant women completed the tailored FFQ and provided fasting venous blood samples. Dietary DHA intake (mg/day) in the previous month was calculated from the FFQ using Chinese Food Composition Table. DHA concentrations (weight percent of total fatty acids) in plasma and erythrocytes were measured by capillary gas chromatography. Spearman correlation coefficients (r_s) between DHA intake and its relative concentrations were calculated. After adjustment for maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index, stage of pregnancy, parity, education level, ethnicity, and annual family income per capita, the correlation coefficients of DHA intake with its concentrations in plasma and erythrocytes were 0.35 and 0.33, respectively (p < 0.001). The correlations were relatively stronger among women in late pregnancy (r_s = 0.44 in plasma and 0.39 in erythrocytes) than those in mid-pregnancy (r_s = 0.25 and 0.26). The significant correlations were consistently observed in subgroups stratified by regions, except for erythrocytes in women living in a coastland area. Multiple regression analyses also indicated significant positive linear correlations between DHA intake and its plasma or erythrocytes concentrations (p < 0.001). In conclusion, dietary DHA intake, estimated by the FFQ, was positively correlated with its concentrations in plasma and erythrocytes in Chinese pregnant women, especially for women in late pregnancy, with the exception of the erythrocytes of those living in a coastland area.

Social trajectory and body image satisfaction in childbearing women

Advantaged socioeconomic position (SEP) is associated with lower body image satisfaction (BIS) among women. However, motherhood and social trajectory (an individual's path from childhood SEP to adulthood SEP) could change this relationship. We aimed to assess the association between social trajectory and BIS immediately before getting pregnant in primiparous and multiparous mothers of a birth cohort. The birth cohort Generation XXI was assembled after delivery, in Porto, in 2005-2006. This analysis includes 5,470 women. Women's and their parents' education were used as indicators of adulthood and childhood SEP, respectively. Social trajectory was classified as stable-high, upward, stable-low, downward, according to both education variables. BIS was assessed with Stunkard silhouettes immediately after birth as the difference between perceived body size before the index pregnancy and ideal body size. Odds ratios (OR) between social trajectory and BIS were computed using multinomial logistic regression (women satisfied with body image were the outcome reference category), adjusting for age and prepregnancy body mass index. In primiparous women, no association was found between childhood SEP, adulthood SEP or social trajectory and feeling too small or too large regarding their ideal figure. Multiparous women with a downward social trajectory presented a higher likelihood of dissatisfaction [too small: adjusted OR 2.21, 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) 1.10-4.46; too large: adjusted OR 1.64, 95 % CI 1.07-2.51]. Downward social trajectory was associated with a higher likelihood of dissatisfaction with body image in multiparae, while there was no effect among primiparae.

The validity of a food frequency questionnaire as a measure of PUFA status in pregnancy

Background

Nutritional studies have found conflicting evidence regarding the ability of Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQs) to demonstrate convergent validity with tissue content of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). We therefore sought to assess the convergent validity of a FFQ strategy when compared with a blood biomarker of PUFA levels in a sample of pregnant women.

Method

A previously validated PUFA FFQ was completed by 895 pregnant women and compared to erythrocyte membrane of six PUFA variables.

Results

Four of the six correlations were found to be formally significant, however two of these demonstrated minimal associational strength. Moderate-high correlations between the FFQ-derived PUFA intake estimates and blood biomarker PUFA levels were shown only for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 0.55) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 0.61).

Conclusions

Overall, the correlations were lower than those found in general population studies. Findings suggest biological estimates, such as blood samples, may be most appropriate to measure PUFA levels above indirect strategies such as an FFQ in this population. The results, if an indirect strategy is unavoidable, indicate specific PUFAs where an FFQ strategy may be most informative.

Women's satisfaction with body image before pregnancy and body mass index 4 years after delivery in the mothers of generation XXI

BACKGROUND

Body image satisfaction (BIS) influences body weight regulation and may contribute to long-term healthier lifestyle after pregnancy. Thus, we aimed to assess the association between BIS before pregnancy and body mass index (BMI) 4 years after the index pregnancy.

METHODS

As part of the follow-up of a birth cohort, 3612 women with prepregnancy BMI >18.5 kg/m(2) were reevaluated 4 years after the birth of a child. BIS was defined as the difference between perceived and ideal body size before pregnancy, assessed by Stunkard Silhouettes after birth. The associations of BIS with BMI change (continuous) and BMI classes at 4 years, based on measured weight and height, were estimated using linear and multinomial regression, respectively.

RESULTS

Among women with normal prepregnancy BMI, those who felt too small, regarding their ideal, had a 0.25 kg/m(2) smaller increase in BMI within 4 years and a lower likelihood of becoming overweight or obese [multivariate-adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.63; 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.44-0.91 and OR = 0.21; 95%CI: 0.05-0.91, respectively) than those satisfied with body image. Feeling too large was associated with a 0.41 kg/m(2) larger increase in BMI and a higher risk of becoming overweight or obese (OR = 2.12; 95%CI:1.73-2.59 and OR = 3.42; 95%CI:2.02-5.79, respectively). A similar, non-significant, trend was observed for overweight women. Obese women who felt too large had a non-significant decrease in BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

BIS plays a role in maternal body weight after delivery. Realistic body size goals may promote the motivation to lose weight and contribute to higher success in attaining them.

Long-term maintenance of smoking cessation in pregnancy: an analysis of the birth cohort generation XXI

INTRODUCTION

Pregnancy affords opportunities for health promotion and disease prevention. We worked with a population-based cohort of women who gave birth in Portugal to quantify the proportion of women who quit smoking during pregnancy, the proportion of these women who continued to abstain 4 years after delivery, and the determinants of these outcomes.

METHODS

A birth cohort was assembled in public maternity units of Porto, Portugal, in 2005-2006, and all women were reevaluated at an average of 4 years after delivery. A total of 5,420 mothers were included in the analysis. Smoking status at baseline and at follow-up was ascertained by interview. Adjusted prevalence ratios and 95% CIs were computed using robust Poisson regression.

RESULTS

Overall, 47.4% of women who smoked ceased smoking and 41.7% reduced cigarette consumption during pregnancy. Four years after delivery, 32.1% of those who stopped smoking during pregnancy continued to abstain. Older women, first-time mothers, light smokers, those who were living with a partner at the time of follow-up, those who became pregnant again after the index pregnancy, those who breast fed for more than 52 weeks, and those with a child diagnosed with asthma and/or rhinitis were more likely to abstain from smoking.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately half of all women stopped smoking during pregnancy and, among these, approximately one third continued to abstain 4 years after delivery. The high proportion of relapse may be attributable to poor awareness or skepticism regarding the adverse effects of secondhand smoke on children or physiological and psychological dependence on nicotine.

Validation of a FFQ for estimating ω-3, ω-6 and trans fatty acid intake during pregnancy using mature breast milk and food recalls

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

To assess the performance of a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for estimating ω-3, ω-6 and trans fatty acid intake during pregnancy. Moreover, we determined whether the fatty acid composition of mature breast milk represents a valuable biomarker for fatty acid intake during pregnancy.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

A prospective study in 41 pregnant women, aged 18-35 years, was conducted. Food intake during pregnancy was evaluated by three 24-h recalls (24 hR), and 2 FFQ. The fatty acid composition of mature breast milk was determined by gas chromatography. The method of triads and joint classification between quartiles of intake were applied.

RESULTS

The FFQ was accurate for estimating docosahexanoic (DHA), linoleic and total ω-6 fatty acids according to validity coefficients. Higher agreements (>70%) into the same or adjacent quartiles between the dietary methods were found for α-linolenic, total ω-3, linoleic and trans fatty acid intake. High validity coefficients for eicosapentanoic (EPA) and DHA acids of human milk were found (0.61 and 0.73, respectively), and the method was adequate for categorizing the intake of α-linolenic, total ω-3 and trans fatty acids compared with FFQ estimates, and for arachidonic acid and trans fatty acids compared with food recall estimates, during pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

The FFQ was an accurate tool for categorizing α-linolenic, total ω-3 and trans fatty acid intake. According to the validity coefficients observed, the FFQ accurately estimated DHA, linoleic and total ω-6 fatty acids and the composition of mature breast milk was shown to be a suitable biomarker for EPA and DHA fatty acid intake during pregnancy.

Dietary lipids during early pregnancy differently influence adipose tissue metabolism and fatty acid composition in pregnant rats with repercussions on pup's development

Pregnant rats received soybean (SO), olive (OO), fish (FO) and linseed (LO) oil diets from conception to d12 of gestation (early diets) and standard diet thereafter. At d12 and d20 the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity was evaluated in maternal adipose tissues (ATs). Fatty Acid (FA) profile was determined in maternal lumbar AT (LAT), in milk and in pup's plasma and brain. LPL activity was higher in ATs at d12 than d20, all groups presenting hypertriglyceridemia at d20. At d12, the LO diet resulted higher LPL activity and incorporation of 18:3 n-3 into LAT. FA profile in maternal LAT at d20 and colostrum was similar to early diets, reflected also in FA composition of pup's plasma. In FO, brain phospholipids had higher 22:6 n-3 without affecting arachidonic acid. These results suggest that specifics dietary FA in early pregnancy modulates lipid metabolism and the provision of LC-PUFA in milk and pups brain.