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.