Dietary Linoleic Acid and Arachidonic Acid Levels
Author Information
Author(s): Brian S Rett, Jay Whelan
Primary Institution: Department of Nutrition, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
Hypothesis
Does increasing dietary linoleic acid lead to higher tissue arachidonic acid levels in adults on Western-type diets?
Conclusion
Increasing or decreasing dietary linoleic acid does not significantly change arachidonic acid levels in adults consuming Western-type diets.
Supporting Evidence
- Decreasing dietary linoleic acid by up to 90% was not significantly correlated with changes in arachidonic acid levels.
- Increasing dietary linoleic acid levels up to six fold also showed no significant correlations with arachidonic acid levels.
- There was a positive relationship between dietary gamma-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid levels.
Takeaway
Eating more or less linoleic acid won't change the amount of arachidonic acid in your body, even if you eat a typical Western diet.
Methodology
A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature on dietary linoleic acid and its effects on tissue arachidonic acid levels in adults.
Potential Biases
Not all studies were blinded, and dietary modifications were not exclusively controlled.
Limitations
The studies reviewed varied in design, population, and methods for modifying linoleic acid intake.
Participant Demographics
Adults aged 18 and older with no known metabolic disorders.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.39, 0.72
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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