Effects of a lipid-based nutrient supplement during pregnancy and lactation on maternal plasma fatty acid status and lipid profile: Results of two randomized controlled trials

Brietta M. Oaks, Rebecca R. Young, Seth Adu-Afarwuah, Ulla Ashorn, Kristina H. Jackson, Anna Lartey, Kenneth Maleta, Harriet Okronipa, John Sadalaki, Lacey M. Baldiviez, Setti Shahab-Ferdows, Per Ashorn, Kathryn G. Dewey

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

It is unknown whether a novel small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplement (SQ-LNS) containing alpha-linolenic (ALA) and linoleic acids impacts maternal plasma lipids and fatty acid status. We measured plasma fatty acids (wt%) and lipid concentrations at 36 wk gestation and breast milk fatty acids (wt%) at 6 months postpartum in a subsample of women enrolled in a randomized controlled trial studying the effects of SQ-LNS on birth outcomes and child growth. Women≤20 wk gestation in Ghana (n=1,320) and Malawi (n=1,391) were assigned to receive daily either: 1) iron-folic acid (pregnancy); 2) multiple micronutrients (pregnancy and lactation); or 3) SQ-LNS (pregnancy and lactation). At 36 wk, plasma ALA levels were higher in those receiving SQ-LNS. SQ-LNS increased breast milk ALA in Ghana but not Malawi. There was no effect on plasma lipids or other selected fatty acids. SQ-LNS may impact plasma and breast milk ALA levels depending on the population.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)28-35
Number of pages8
JournalProstaglandins Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids
Volume117
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2017

Keywords

  • Cholesterol
  • Lactation
  • Lipids
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Pregnancy
  • Supplementation

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