ADMINISTRATION OF LOW-DOSES OF FISH-OIL DERIVED N-3 FATTY-ACIDS TO ELDERLY SUBJECTS

Objectives: To assess the incorporation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty a cids (PUFA) in plasma and erythrocyte lipids of elderly subjects after ingestion of very low doses of fish oil. The effects on alpha-tocophe rol and retinol concentrations were also studied. Setting: Municipal n ursing home in Barcelona, Spain. Subjects: Forty-five elderly subjects aged 60-92 y. Design and intervention: Subjects received a non-commer cialized milk formula containing 1% fish oil for 15 months, which prov ided 0.40 g/d of n-3 PUFA. Fatty acid profiles and antioxidant concent rations were measured before and after the intervention period. Result s: Fish oil ingestion was associated with significant increases in tot al n-3 PUFA in plasma and erythrocytes by 32% and 18%, respectively. E icosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acid concentrations we re higher after the ingestion period bath in plasma and erythrocytes ( P < 0.05), whereas linoleic and arachidonic acids remained unchanged. The n-6/n-3 ratio decreased by 21% in plasma and by 16% in erythrocyte s (P ( 0.05). Moreover, younger subjects showed a greater incorporatio n of EFA and DNA than older subjects. Plasma alpha-tocopherol and reti nol concentrations did not vary significantly, whereas erythrocyte alp ha-tocopherol was significantly higher after the intervention period. Conclusion: This study shows that low doses of n-3 PUFA supplemented w ith adequate amounts of alpha-tocopherol can be incorporated into bloo d lipids in elderly subjects without lowering their antioxidant concen trations. Sponsorship: This study was supported by a research grant fr om the Spanish CDTI.