Impact of dietary anthocyanins on long chain n-3 fatty acid status: Studies in cells, rodents and humans (MONDAY, S8.07) Presenter Last Name: Tejera Increased intake and tissue status of the long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFAs) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is associated with cardiovascular and some cognitive benefits in humans. Limited epidemiological and animal data suggest that anthocyanins (ACNs), polyphenolic compounds abundant in certain plant foods and in particular berries, may increase plasma EPA and DHA levels, potentially by increasing their synthesis from the shorter chain n-3 PUFA, α-linolenic acid (αLNA). In this regard, it has previously been reported that red wine drinkers have higher EPA and DHA status than non-red wine drinkers1. Also, Toufektsian et al.2, reported that ACN consumption for 8 weeks increased plasma EPA and DHA levels in rats. Using complimentary cell, rodent and human studies we investigated the impact of ACNs on plasma and tissue EPA and DHA levels and on the expression of Δ6 desaturase (FADS2), the rate limiting enzyme in EPA and DHA biosynthesis from αLNA. Rats were fed a standard diet containing either palm oil or rapeseed oil +/-ACNs for 8 weeks (Expt 1). Retrospective plasma fatty acid analysis was conducted on samples from a human randomised controlled trial where participants consumed an elderberry extract, high in ACNs, for 12 weeks (Expt 2). HepG2 cells were cultured with αLNA +/-select ACNs and their in vivo metabolites for 24h and 48h (Expt 3). Fatty acid composition was analysed by GC-FID. FADS2 mRNA-expression was determined using real-time quantitative PCR. Our results show little impact of dietary flavonoids on n-3 PUFA plasma or tissue status and suggest that the increasingly recognised benefits of flavonoids, and specifically ACNs, on a range of health outcomes is unlikely to be due to positive impact on tissue LC n-3 PUFA status. 1 Am J Clin Nutr, 2009; 89:354-62. 2 J Nutr, 2011; 141(1):37-41.