Fetal erythrocyte phospholipid polyunsaturated fatty acids are altered in pregnancy complicated with gestational diabetes mellitus

Insulin resistance and altered maternal metabolism in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) may impair fetal arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic a cid (DHA) status. The objectives were to test the hypothesis that fetal pol yunsaturated fatty acids would be altered with GDM and identify factors rel ated to fetal phospholipid (PL) AA and DHA. Maternal and cord vein erythroc yte PL fatty acids were determined in GDM (n = 13) and healthy pregnant wom en (controls, n = 12). Cord vein erythrocyte PL AA and DHA concentrations w ere significantly lower in GDM vs. controls. Maternal blood hemoglobin A(1) C was inversely correlated to fetal erythrocyte PL DHA and AA in controls a nd GDM (n = 25). Pregravid body mass index was negatively associated with f etal PL DHA. The data support the hypothesis that there is impairment in fe tal accretion of DHA and AA in GDM.