Effect of one and two months high dose alpha-linolenic acid treatment on 13 C-labeled alpha-linolenic acid incorporation and conversion in healthy subjects.

ABSTRACT

SCOPE: We aimed at identifying (1) the most sensitive compartment among plasma phospholipids, erythrocytes and LDL for studying ALA conversion, and (2) whether ALA incorporation and conversion is saturable after administration of 13 C-labeled ALA-rich linseed oil (LO). The effect of a daily intake of 7g non-labeled LO (>43% w/w ALA) for one month after bolus administration of 7g 13 C-labeled LO on day one, and for two months after bolus administration of 7g 13 C-labeled LO on day one and day 29 on 13 C-ALA incorporation and conversion into its higher homologs was investigated in healthy volunteers.  METHODS AND RESULTS: Incorporation and conversion of LO-derived 13 C-labeled ALA was quantified by applying compartmental modeling. After bolus administration, a fractional conversion of approximately 30% from 13 C-ALA to 13 C-DHA was calculated as reflected by the LDL compartment. Treatment with LO for eight weeks induced a mean reduction of 13 C-ALA conversion to 13 C-DHA by 48% as reflected by the LDL compartment, and a mean reduction of the 13 C-ALA incorporation into LDL by 46%. CONCLUSION: A two-month dietary intake of a high dose of LO was sufficient to reach saturation of ALA incorporation into LDL particles, which are responsible for ALA distribution in the body. This article is protected by copyright.