The relation between the omega-3 index and arachidonic acid is bell shaped: synergistic at low EPA+DHA status and antagonistic at high EPA+DHA status.

Authors :: Luxwolda MF
Kuipers RS
Smit EN
Velzing-Aarts FV
Dijck-Brouwer DA
Muskiet FA
Source :: Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and essential fatty acids [Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids] 2011 Sep-Oct; Vol. 85 (3-4), pp. 171-8. Date of Electronic Publication: 2011 Jun 29.
Publication Year :: 2011
Abstract: Introduction: The relation between docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) vs. arachidonic acid (AA) seems characterized by both synergism and antagonism.<br />Materials and Methods: Investigate the relation between EPA+DHA and AA in populations with a wide range of EPA+DHA status and across the life cycle. EPA+DHA and AA were determined in erythrocytes (RBC; n=1979), umbilical arteries (UA; n=789) and umbilical veins (UV; n=785).<br />Results: In all compartments, notably RBC, the relation between EPA+DHA and AA appeared bell-shaped. Populations with low RBC-EPA+DHA (<2g%) exhibited positive relationships; those with high RBC-EPA+DHA (>8g%) negative relationships. Antagonism in UA and UV could not be demonstrated.<br />Conclusion: Both synergism and antagonism might aim at a balance between ω6 and ω3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCP) to maintain homeostasis. Synergism might be a feature of low LCPω3 status. AA becomes suppressed by antagonism from an RBC-EPA+DHA >8g%.<br /> (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

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