(19-11-10) Dietary Flavonoids Increase Plasma Very Long-Chain (n-3) Fatty Acids in Rats.

Toufektsian MC, Salen P, Laporte F, Tonelli C, de Lorgeril M.

Laboratoire C?ur et Nutrition, TIMC-IMAG CNRS UMR 5525, Facult? de M?decine,
Universit? Joseph Fourier, 38000 Grenoble, France.
Abstract
Flavonoids probably contribute to the health benefits associated with the
consumption of fruit and vegetables. However, the mechanisms by which they
exert their effects are not fully elucidated. PUFA of the (n-3) series also
have health benefits. Epidemiological and clinical studies have suggested that
wine flavonoids may interact with the metabolism of (n-3) PUFA and increase
their blood and cell levels. The present studies in rats were designed to
assess whether flavonoids actually increase plasma levels of eicosapentaenoic
acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the main very long-chain (n-3) PUFA.
Rats were fed a corn-derived anthocyanin (ACN)-rich (ACN-rich) or ACN-free diet
with constant intakes of plant and marine (n-3) PUFA for 8 wk (Expt. 1). Plasma
fatty acids were measured by GC. The ACN-rich diet contained ~0.24 ? 0.01 mg of
ACN/g pellets. There were no significant differences between groups in the main
saturated, monounsaturated, and (n-6) fatty acids. In contrast, plasma EPA and
DHA were greater in the ACN-rich diet group than in the ACN-free diet group (P
< 0.05). We obtained similar results in 2 subsequent experiments in which rats
were administered palm oil (80 μL/d) and consumed the ACN-rich or ACN-free diet
(Expt. 2) or were supplemented with fish oil (60 mg/d, providing 35 mg DHA and
12 mg EPA) and consumed the ACN-rich or ACN-free diet (Expt. 3). In both
experiments, plasma EPA and DHA were significantly greater in the ACN-rich diet
group. These studies demonstrate that the consumption of flavonoids increases
plasma very long-chain (n-3) PUFA levels. These data confirm previous clinical
and epidemiological studies and provide new insights into the health benefits
of flavonoids.

Source: J Nutr. 2010 Nov 10.

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