Analysis of omega-3 fatty acid content of South African fish oil supplements.

Introduction: Substantial evidence describes the protective effects of marine-derived omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on cardiovascular diseases as well as many other conditions. Numerous fatty acid preparations are marketed for supplementing the Western diet, which is low in n-3 fats. Since these preparations may vary in their n-3 PUFA content, we tested 45 commercially available products on the South African market for their fatty acid composition.

Factors associated with low serum retinol levels in children aged 6-24 months in a rural South African community.

Objective: : To identify risk factors for variation in serum retinol levels in children younger than 2 years of age in a rural South African community.

Design: : Children (n = 97), 6-24 months of age, were divided into two groups according to their serum retinol levels, using 20 microg dl-1 as the cut-off point. The chi-square test, Fischer exact two-tailed test and analysis of variance were used to identify related variables which were significantly different between the two groups.

Diet can manipulate the metabolism of EPA and GLA in erythrocyte membrane and plasma.

The effect of diet on the metabolism of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and gammalinolenic acid (GLA) was investigated in two groups of African Green Vervet monkeys fed either a Western atherogenic diet (WAD; %E fat 43.5%; P:S 0.3; n=10) or a high carbohydrate diet (HCD; %E fat 20.

Changes in plasma lipoprotein levels during a hiking expedition in South America.

Eleven males participated in a hiking expedition over a period of 6 weeks during which they walked an average of 15 km per day, resting days included. The participants completed a seven-day estimated dietary record before and during the expedition. Their habitual dietary intake before the expedition was typical of a Western diet.

Dietary intake, anthropometric measurements and plasma lipid levels in throwing field athletes.

Since little descriptive data for field athletes is available, the anthropometric measurement, dietary intake and plasma lipid levels of 22 male and 15 female field athletes (throwers) are reported. Percentage body fat was calculated by using four skinfold thicknesses. Using this measurement as criterion, 53% of the females were obese.