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n-3 fatty acids in human fat tissue aspirates are stable for up to 6 y

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 57, pages 816–818 (2003)Cite this article

Abstract

Objectives: The content of n-3 (omega-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids in fat tissue is a valid indicator of their long-term consumption. We studied the stability of n-3 fatty acids in human subcutaneous fat microbiopsies after 6 and 11 y of storage.

Design: Microbiopsies were taken from a lump of human adipose tissue and stored at +20 and −80°C.

Setting: Laboratory study.

Results: After 5.6 y at −80°C the proportion of six out of seven highly polyunsaturated fatty acids varied between 91 and 102% (mean 97%) of their baseline values. Storage at +20°C yielded recoveries between 82 and 105%. After 11 y at −80°C the proportions in the original lump of tissue ranged from 88 to 101% (mean 94%).

Conclusion: n-3 fatty acids in stored fat tissue aspirates are stable for 6 – 11 y, and are suitable markers of baseline diet in long-term epidemiological studies.

Sponsorship: Wageningen Centre for Food Sciences.

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Author notes

  1. P van de Bovenkamp: Deceased 11 August 2002. We dedicate this paper to the memeory of Peter van de Bovenkamp, for his professionality, courage, and friendship.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Wageningen Centre for Food Sciences, Wageningen, The Netherlands

    M B Katan, J L Harryvan & P van de Bovenkamp

  2. Division of Human Nutrition and Epidemiology of Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands

    M B Katan

Authors
  1. M B Katan
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  2. J L Harryvan
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  3. P van de Bovenkamp
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Contributions

Guarantor: MB Katan.

Contributors: All authors were involved in designing the study and interpreting the data. MBK wrote the paper. JLH and PvdB contributed to planning and executing the laboratory analyses.

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Correspondence to M B Katan.

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Katan, M., Harryvan, J. & van de Bovenkamp, P. n-3 fatty acids in human fat tissue aspirates are stable for up to 6 y. Eur J Clin Nutr 57, 816–818 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601614

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601614

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