Abstract
The effect of supplement of a high amount of α-linolenic acid and further iron (II) and vitamins C and E on the serum polyunsaturated fatty acid levels was investigated in normal and Ehfiich's ascites tumor-bearing mice. The serum levels of arachidonic acid (AA) decreased and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) increased in both normal and tumor-bearing mice by the supplement of α-linolenic acid. In normal mice, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was not changed by these supplements, but it decreased in tumor-bearing mice. The ratio of EPA/AA increased by supplement of α-linolenic acid and further increased by the addition of iron (II) and vitamins C and E. The serum polyunsaturated fatty acid compositions were changed significantly by the simultaneous supplement of vitamins C and E, but not by the addition of either of vitamin C or vitamin E.
