Sensitivity of fetus and pups to excess levels of maternal intakes of alpha linolenic acid at marginal protein levels in Wistar rats

There is growing interest in the role omega 3 fatty acids (n3), in promoting fetal growth. Present study examined whether alpha linolenic acid, primary vegetarian dietary omega 3 fatty acid source and precursor to cellular membrane phospholipid eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, can improve birth outcome. Pregnant dams from three groups (seven in each) were fed: control diet (18% protein with 7% soybean oil, normal alpha linolenic acid), or two treatment diets at marginal protein level of 12%; one with 7% soybean oil (Treatment I, normal alpha linolenic acid), and other with 3% flax oil and 4% soybean oil (Treatment II, four times normal alpha linolenic acid) during gestation. There was a reduction in litter size and litter weight (p < 0.05) at birth in the Treatment II group as compared to the Control group. Alpha linolenic acid (p < 0.05), eicosapentaenoic acid (p < 0.05) levels increased while arachidonic acid levels (p < 0.05) reduced in gastric milk at birth and blood at end of lactation in Treatment II as compared to Treatment I group. Brain fatty acid levels showed reduction (p < 0.05) only in docosahexaenoic acid levels in dams from Treatment I and Treatment II, at the end of lactation. Results suggest sensitivity of fetus and pups for excess levels of alpha linolenic acid ’in a diet at marginal protein level’. Author's Abstract.