Wheat aleurone fractions and plasma n−3 fatty acids in rats

AbstractThe main aim of this study was to compare the effects of two wheat aleurone (WA) fractions on circulating n−3 fatty acids in rats. We demonstrated that only the fraction able to induce the highest urinary excretion of polyphenol metabolites (>1µmol) resulted in a significant increase in plasma level of Eicosapentanoic acid (+22%, p < 0.05). While other constituents of whole wheat can be involved in this response, our data suggest that cereals containing high levels of phenolic compounds can increase blood n−3 without affecting n−6 fatty acids. Further studies are required to confirm this hypothesis and explore the underlying biological mechanisms.