Estimation and Gas Chromatographic Analysis of the Ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Blood serum

S. Bahafi*, R. N. Al-Harithy and R. A. Mansouri

¹Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) ²Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulalziz University, Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)

ABSTRACT: Omega (n)-6 and omega (n)-3 are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUSFA) derived from the 18-carbon essential dietary precursors linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), respectively. These two families of fatty acids are metabolically and functionally distinct and often have important opposing physiological functions. Their balance is important for homeostasis, normal development and may affect susceptibility to different diseases. Fatty acid concentrations were determined by using Gas Chromatography (GC). The subjects were divided into two groups, younger and older, with 40 years old being the dividing age. The concentration of fatty acids and the ratio of n-6:n-3 were analyzed among both groups in relation to age, body mass index (BMI) and lipid profiles. Regarding the fatty acid concentrations, the analysis showed that most of n-6 fatty acids (LA, GLA and AA) and EPA were positively correlated with age. The data also showed no correlation between fatty acid concentrations and BMI in all subjects.

KEYWORDS: Omega-6; Omega-3; Fatty acid; Gas Chromatographic analysis

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