Fatty Acid Compositions of Plasma Lipids in Young Atopic Patients

The fatty acid compositions of plasma phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol ester, triacylglycerol and free fatty acid fractions were determined in young atopic patients and age-matched controls.No difference was observed in the lipid contents or the fatty acid compositions between the atopic patients and controls. When compared with adult controls, plasma lipids from young children had significantly different fatty acid patterns; the proportions of total linoleate (n-6) series fatty acids and the linoleate/arachidonate ratio were not statistically different, but teh proportions of alpha-linolenate (n-3) series fatty acids were much less, particularly in the phosphatidylcholine, triacylglycerol and cholesterol ester fractions, in young children. These results do not provide rationale for the use of gamma-linolenic acid for atopic therapy. The possible usefulness of providing alpha-linolenate series fatty acid supplementation for children is discussed.