Adaptation of maternal lipid flux to pregnancy: Research needs

Adaptations of maternal lipid metabolism during pregnancy are directed towa rd both the needs of the fetus for lipid substrates and maternal requiremen ts for lipid stores serving as energy reserves for lactation. The mechanism s are poorly understood, but must be elucidated before new dietary recommen dations call be made about dietary supplementation with long-chain polyunsa turated fatty acids (LC-PUFA). Problems of high priority For research are: (1) Fetal requirements for specific fatty acids, including essential fatty acids (EFA) and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA); (2) The m echanisms for transfer of fatty acids across the placenta; (3) The role of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) in transfer of EFA and LC-PUFA from th e maternal liver to the placenta, (4) Adjustments of fatty acid metabolism in the maternal liver during pregnancy; and (5) The effect of dietary LC-PU FA on maternal fatty acid metabolism during pregnancy.