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BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Research

Changes in fatty acid levels (saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) during pregnancy

Authors: Estefania Aparicio, Carla Martín-Grau, Carmen Hernández-Martinez, Nuria Voltas, Josefa Canals, Victoria Arija

Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

During pregnancy a high amount of fatty acids (FA) is necessary to meet foetus demands, which vary during gestation. The present study describes the changes in maternal fatty acid concentrations during pregnancy in a sample of pregnant women.

Methods

This is a longitudinal study of 479 pregnant women who were monitored from the first trimester to third trimester of pregnancy. Data on maternal characteristics were recorded and a serum sample was collected in each trimester. The fatty acid profile (saturated (SFA: total, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid), monounsaturated (MUFA: total, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA: total omega-6 (n-6), linoleic acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid (AA), total omega-3 (n-3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) was analysed with a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry combination.

Results

From the first trimester to third trimester of pregnancy, a significant increase in total SFA, total MUFA and total n-6 PUFA was found. (p < 0.001). Nevertheless, the serum concentration of arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and total n-3 PUFA decreased during gestation (p < 0.001). A statistically non-significant result was observed for the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) serum concentration between the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. Significant correlations were observed between each total fatty acid concentrations of the first and third trimesters.

Conclusion

The circulating serum concentration of SFA, MUFA and n-6 PUFA increases during pregnancy, whereas essential fatty acids such as AA and EPA decrease, and DHA remains unchanged. Further research is necessary to understand the role played by FA throughout gestation.

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Title: Changes in fatty acid levels (saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) during pregnancy
Authors: Estefania Aparicio
Carla Martín-Grau
Carmen Hernández-Martinez
Nuria Voltas
Josefa Canals
Victoria Arija
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2393
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-021-04251-0

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Changes in fatty acid levels (saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) during pregnancy

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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