Abstract
One of the most intriguing current and future impacts on public health may come from a higher intake of n-3 fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexanoic acid (DHA). The omega-3 fatty acids continue to accumulate research that suggests possible preventative effects on a variety of diverse chronic diseases and potentially some acute clinical scenarios. The present study was carried out to evaluate the n-3 and n-6 fatty acids dietary intakes and examine their correlation with plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids, serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in Saudi population. In this study two hundred healthy, Saudi, males ranging in age from 19-50 years old, from Riyadh City, were selected for this study. A 24-hr food recall and two-day food records were used to determine dietary intakes. The food processor plus computer program software was used to analyze the food record and to calculate the mean daily intake of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were measured by well-trained staff. Overnight fasting blood samples were collected and the plasma was separated for analysis of n-3, n-6, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, apolipoprotein A-1 and Apolipoprotein B. The mean body mass index was 25.98 +/- 3.2 kg/m(2) and the mean blood pressure was 81/122 mm Hg. There was a significant (p<0.05) and positive correlation between dietary intake of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids and plasma concentrations. There was a significant (p<0.05) negative correlation between intakes of n-3 fatty acids and LDL-C, TG and Apo A-1. There was a significant (p<0.05) positive correlation between intakes of n-6 fatty acids and LDL-C, TG and Apo A-1. There was a significant (p<0.05) positive correlation between n-6:n-3 fatty acids, and LDL-C, TG and Apo A-1 whereas there was a significant (p<0.05) negative correlation between n-6:n-3 fatty acids and HDL-C and Apo B. The results indicate the correlation between n-3 and n-6 FA's dietary intakes and their concentrations in plasma. Also these results reinforce the hypothesis that a high intake of n-3 dietary PUFA improves lipid profile by decreasing LDL-C, TG and Apo A-1 and increasing HDL-C and Apo B.