Omega‐3 fatty acid supplementation candidates can be selected using fatty acid profiling

The aim of this study was to evaluate the fatty acid (FA) profile in the plasma and erythrocyte membranes of apparently healthy men compared to male patients with various cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The plasma FA profiles were analyzed in five groups of subjects aged 37–57 years: groups 1 and 2 were male voluntary blood donors with a body mass index (BMI) 25.1 ± 1.6, (Group 1, N = 12) and a BMI 32.9 ± 4.5, (Group 2, N = 11) respectively, male patients with chronic heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy (Group 3, N = 10), chronic atrial fibrillation without heart failure or coronary heart disease (Group 4, N = 10) and patients after myocardial infarction (Group 5, N = 11). The FA profile in plasma and erythrocytes was measured by gas chromatography (GC) with flame ionization detection and basic plasma lipid parameters were then estimated. Deficiencies of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were found in all the groups of CVD patients and in Group 2 (BMI 32.9 ± 4.5) of this Central European population. Unfavorable alterations in FA composition and clinical biochemistry parameters were found in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (Group 3). Further, 75% of Group 1 (blood donors) had an average plasma PUFA level in the worst quartile for relative risk of cardiovascular events. Tailored n-3 PUFA supplementation should be recommended not only for secondary prevention in patients suffering from CVD but also for primary prevention in overweight and obese persons with a proven deficiency. Practical applications: Plasma and erythrocyte membrane n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels are an important parameter of diet composition as well as a marker of cardiovascular risk. Regular sea fish intake or alternative supplementation with the n-3 PUFA recommendation is in all probability insufficiently realized, particularly in inland countries. In addition to contemporary guidelines and practice, research is providing data on the use of FA analysis for revealing people with an n-3 PUFA deficiency. This approach could benefit people suffering from CVD as well as for overweight and obese populations with demonstrated deficiency. Tailored n-3 PUFA supplementation should be recommended not only for secondary prevention in patients suffering from CVD but also for primary prevention in overweight and obese persons with a proven deficiency.