Changes in human plasma essential fatty acid levels as a result of administration of linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid
Manku, M.S.; Morse-Fisher, N.; Horrobin, D.F.
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 42(1): 55-60
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0954-3007 PMID: 2836190 Document Number: 321947
For 10 days to 12 weeks 392 persons were given daily 4 g Efamol evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) oil (EPO) to provide 2.88 g linoleic acid (LA) and 360 mg gamma -linolenic acid. Blood was taken before and after administration for estimation of lipids and fatty acids. There was no noticeable change in plasma total phospholipids, LA or any other essential fatty acid. In all the studies there was an increase in dihomo- gamma -linolenic acid (DGLA) in plasma phospholipids. In all but 3 studies phospholipid arachidonic acid (AA) increased after Efamol EPO. In all studies the ratio of AA to DGLA decreased, indicating relatively slow conversion of DGLA to AA by the enzyme Delta -5-desaturase.