2003 Volume 52 Issue 2 Pages 89-97
To assess the effect of the molecular form on absorption, transport and distribution to organs, mice were fed 4 molecular forms of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), such as DHA-triglyceride, DHA-phospholipid, DHA-ethylester, and DHA-free fatty acid orally for four weeks. Serum, liver, and brain lipids were analyzed. The fatty acid compositions of the serum and liver reflected the diet fatty acid compositions. After one-week feeding, the fatty acid composition had changed drastically. The DHA-phospholipid diet produced less arachidonic acid (AA) concentration in the serum and liver compared to the other three DHA diets. DHA-phospholipid was effective in the expulsion of AA from the serum and liver. The fatty acid composition of the brain did not change drastically. The control diet containing corn oil and safflower oil did not decrease the DHA concentration. The DHA concentration kept constant even with a non-DHA diet feed. All DHA diets resulted in increase in DHA concentration while the AA concentration decreased, significantly.
