Content of fatty acids in a diet and the homocysteine levels in women with fertility disorders.

OBJECTIVES

Assessment of the effects of consumption of fatty acids on the homocysteine levels in women with fertility disorders.

METHODS AND

RESULTS

The study included 286 women at the age between 23 and 46 years (the mean 33.13±4.21 years) with a fertility disorders. We measured: levels of homocysteine [μmol/L] (n=171), body weight and height (n=286). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. A diet was assessed by 3-day dietary food records method including one day of the weekend. The mean homocysteine (Hcy) levels were 10.02±2.98 μmol/L. Body weight excess was observed in 29.3% of subjects. The percentage of fatty acids in the total energy [%E] it was demonstrated that the mean rate of MUFAs and PUFAs was statistically significantly lower in diets of women with the homocysteine levels >15 μmol/L compared to the group with the Hcy <10 μmol/L. Based on the results of a correlation between the homocysteine levels and consumption of n-6 fatty acids and n-3 fatty acids it is possible to conclude that there are negative correlations observed indicating that higher consumption of these acids is associated with lower levels of homocysteine.

CONCLUSION

Increased consumption of PUFAs, including α-linoleic acid, in a diet seems to be an important factor preventing from hyperhomocysteinemia.