Biomarkers of long-chain PUFA omega-3 fatty acids and the human nutritional status

The association of dietary fats with disease risk or outcome can be determined from epidemiological studies and/or from food frequency questionnaires; a better assessment of the dietary intake of the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-3 is obtained by the fatty acid composition of the platelets or of erythrocyte membranes yet these procedures are lengthy. Other investigators have used adipose tissue obtained by percutaneous biopsy, but it must be pointed out that this procedure is not only invasive but time-consuming as well. Also, it has to be noted that the turnover time for fatty acids has been estimated to be 1-3 years.