Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of the (n-3) or (n-6) type are not synthesized de novo in animal tissues. When they are fed, displacement of endogenous fatty acids [20:3(n-9) and 20:4(n-7) types] occurs, resulting in enrichment of (n-3) and (n-6) long-chain PUFA (LCPUFA). Competition between the (n-3) and (n-6) fatty acid (FA) precursors for conversions exists and is significant because LCPUFA are important as precursors and antagonists of eicosanoid biosynthesis.

Thus, dietary modification of LCPUFA products may alter certain eicosanoid-related disorders (1,2) and this provides a basis for making diet recommendations.

Studies with rat plasma and tissues and with human plasma have revealed a quantitative relationship between diet and tissue FA (3,4).

The present study examined whether similar relationships exist in dog species and equations to predict such relationships were derived.

These relationships can be used to estimate the plasma and tissue accumulation of LCPUFA. They also enable diet formulation to be conducted in such a way as to reasonably predict FA tissue enrichment prior to actual feeding and thus preclude the need for expensive and tedious feeding trials.

PMID: 12042479

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