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Change in the fatty acid pattern of erythrocyte membrane phospholipids after oral supplementation of specific fatty acids in patients with gastrointestinal diseases

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 64, pages 410–418 (2010)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Background/Objectives:

The fatty acid pattern of membrane phospholipids is suggested to affect membrane fluidity and epithelial barrier function as a result of membrane fatty acid unsaturation. The incorporation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) into membrane phospholipids may diminish inflammatory potential in patients with gastrointestinal diseases. The aim of this study was to improve the fatty acid profile of erythrocyte membrane phospholipids after oral supplementation of specific fatty acids in patients with maldigestion and/or malabsorption.

Subjects/Methods:

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. A total of 48 patients with gastrointestinal diseases received either fat-soluble vitamins A,D,E,K (ADEK) or ADEK plus fatty acids α-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and medium-chain triglycerides (FA-ADEK) for 12 weeks. The fatty acid profile of erythrocyte membrane phospholipids, dietary intake, plasma antioxidant vitamins and serum γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were evaluated at baseline, 8 and 12 weeks after supplementation.

Results:

Supplementation with FA-ADEK increased ALA, DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) concentrations of erythrocyte membrane phospholipids by 0.040, 1.419 and 0.159%, respectively, compared with ADEK supplementation (−0.007, 0.151 and 0.002%, respectively) after 12 weeks (all P⩽0.001). Serum GGT activity decreased in patients receiving FA-ADEK compared with those receiving ADEK with a significant difference after 8 weeks.

Conclusions:

The significant change in erythrocyte membrane fatty acid pattern demonstrates the incorporation of orally administered n-3 PUFA in patients with maldigestion and malabsorption. The increase in ALA and DHA, as well as the conversion of ALA to EPA is attributed to the supplementation of sufficient amounts of ALA and DHA, respectively. Serum GGT activity decreased in response to decreased oxidative stress.

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Acknowledgements

CM coordinated the study and acted as an expert on fatty acid metabolism; RS conducted the study; RS and CM constituted the writing group and prepared this paper; BA and PS set up and performed the laboratory method of analysis of erythrocyte membrane fatty acids, plasma fat-soluble vitamins and 8-isoprostanes; BT was responsible for patient inclusion; BJ contributed to the collection of dietary and biochemical data; and NB conducted the statistical analysis. This study was supported in part by a research grant from Meduna Ltd, Isernhagen, Germany. Professor Metzner was a consultant for Meduna Ltd, Isernhagen, Germany. All authors contributed to the final version of the paper and gave their approval to publish the final version.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, Medical Nutrition Science, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany

    R Siener

  2. Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Nutritional Physiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany

    B Alteheld & P Stehle

  3. Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany

    B Terjung

  4. Bonn Education Association for Dietetics r. A., Aachen, Germany

    B Junghans & C Metzner

  5. Department of Biostatistics,

    N Bitterlich

  6. Medicine and Service Ltd, Chemnitz, Germany

    N Bitterlich

  7. Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, RWTH, Aachen, Germany

    C Metzner

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Correspondence to R Siener.

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Siener, R., Alteheld, B., Terjung, B. et al. Change in the fatty acid pattern of erythrocyte membrane phospholipids after oral supplementation of specific fatty acids in patients with gastrointestinal diseases. Eur J Clin Nutr 64, 410–418 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2009.151

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