Objective: To investigate the effect of the Long Chain Polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP) levels in mothers on fetuses.
Methods: The plasma and red blood cell membrane LCP contents were measured and compared between 48 mothers and 48 fetuses.
Results: The plasma concentration of linoleic acid (LA) and linolenic acid (ALA) in mothers was higher than that in fetuses, arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahex aenoic acid (DHA) were lower. The positive relations were observed between the maternal and the cord plasma concentration of LA, ALA, AA and DHA, AA content in maternal was related to birth weight.
Conclusion: Maternal nutrient and placental function are important for maintaining fetal growth and development.