Fatty acid status in early life in low-income countries - overview of the situation, policy and research priorities

Fat intake may be low in low-income countries and little information is available on its composition in terms of (n-3) and (n-6) fatty acids (FA). As a result, long chain poly-unsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) status is a concern, especially in settings where fish intake is low and/or common sources of fat have a low alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and high linoleic acid (LA) content. High LA levels, as found for instance in sunflower, safflower, corn, peanut and soy oils, may inhibit the conversion of ALA into its LC-PUFA derivatives. Other factors that affect LA and ALA conversion into LC-PUFA, including genetic factors, are little known and should also be investigated in different populations. Different interventions that could feasibly improve LC-PUFA status in low-income countries should be tested and their effects on functional outcomes assessed, preferably starting from pregnancy. Identifying affordable sources of ALA or LC-PUFA that could be made locally available and easily introduced in the diet early in life is also a priority.