Comparison of the fatty acid composition of maternal blood and cord blood of mothers who delivered healthy full-term babies, preterm babies, and full-term small for gestational age infants

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine and compare the fatty acid (FA) profile of maternal blood and cord blood of children born at term (group A); those born prematurely (group B); and children born with hypotrophic features (group C). Methods: The study consisted of 109 women. FA composition was determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results: Twenty-two FAs were identified in the maternal blood and 33 FAs were identified in the cord blood. Significant differences in the levels of C18:3n–6 and C20:5n–3 were noted when comparing the FA composition of maternal blood samples from the three different groups (A, B, and C). Seven statistical differences were detected in the cord blood. They concerned C12:0, C18:0, C18:1c, C18:3n–6, C20:0, C20:3n–6, and C20:4n–6. Conclusion: Our research has shown that the FA profile of both the maternal blood and the cord blood undergoes changes in response to pregnancy duration and the presence of reduced fetal growth. Statistical differences between groups B and C compared with group A, show that the placental-fetal transport of FA in group B and C infants may differ from that of group A children.

Keywords::

• Fatty acids
• low birth weight
• placenta
• preterm

Acknowledgement

The authors gratefully acknowledge the Nutricia Foundation.

Declaration of Interest: The study was supported by grant number RG3/2006. The authors report that there are no conflicts of interest.