Abstract
Fatty acid composition is very important for physiological development and health maintenance in humans. Fatty acids are important biocompounds playing major roles for maternal, fetal and infant health.
During pregnancy maternal non-esterified FA (NEFA) released from lipolysis are mainly re-esterified into liver triglycerides (TG). Then, TG is released into the circulation in the form of VLDL.
There is an increase in plasma TG concentration during late gestation. The function of the placenta and of many physiological metabolic adaptations taking place during pregnancy play a fundamental role in optimizing the transport of FA to the fetus.
Maternal breast milk is of great importance in humans and other mammals since it is the main source of all nutrients, including fatty acids, for the newborn. Breast milk fatty acid composition is dependent on maternal dietary fat intake during gestation.
Fatty acids are deposited in adipose tissue and released into breast milk during lactation. Thus, the type of dietary fat consumed during pregnancy determines not only the fatty acid profile of the mother and the fetus, but also that of breast milk to be provided to the newborn.
Fatty acid composition is primarily determined by genetic factors and dietary fat type intake. Many pathological states are associated with an increased intake of saturated fatty acids (obesity, dyslipidemia, inflammation, oxidative stress, diabetes mellitus, and malnutrition).
The existing literature supports the protective effects of LC n-3 PUFA (as opposed to n-6 PUFA and saturated fat) in maternal and offspring health, cardiovascular health, insulin sensitivity, the metabolic syndrome, cancer, critically ill patients, and immune system disorders.