Search

The development and optimal functioning of our immune system is directly influenced by our diet. Any deficiency or excess of certain nutrients can affect the number and activity of immune cells. Among the nutrients identified, dietary fatty acids are described as having major effects on immunity. Indeed, the fatty acid composition of the membranes of immune cells seems to be easily modulated under the effect of dietary fats and the resulting rapid changes in composition are likely to generate functional effects on the reactivity and functioning of these cells within a very short period of time. Among the different mechanisms identified to explain the impact of dietary fatty acids on the immune function, the synthesis of lipid mediators from polyunsaturated fatty acids is a key one notably in the context of inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper deals with the dietary daily intakes of main polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in French children and adolescents. Methods: Dietary intakes of main PUFA were determined from a general French population of 1500 children (3–10 years) and adolescents (11–17 years) by using the most recent set of national robust data on food (National Survey INCA 2 performed in 2006 and 2007). Results: Main results showed that mean daily intakes of total fat and n-6 PUFA linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6) were close to current recommended values for children and adolescent populations. However, 80% (children) to 90% (adolescents) of our French populations not only ingested low quantities of n-3 long-chain PUFA (docosahexaenoic (22:6n-3) and eicosapentaenoic (20:5n-3) acids) but also very low quantities of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3) at the origin of a non-balanced n-6/n-3 ratio. Inadequate consumption of EPA + DHA was also observed in subgroups of infants and adolescent who consumed more than two servings/week of fish. Conclusions: Such disequilibrium in PUFA dietary intakes in favor of n-6 PUFA could have adverse impact on cell membrane incorporation of long-chain n-3 PUFA and deleterious impacts on the health of children and adolescents. Promoting the consumption of both vegetable oils and margarines rich in ALA, and oily fish rich in long-chain n-3 PUFA might improve such PUFA disequilibrium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]