Hepatic fatty acid profile of pregnant-lactating and virgin rats supplemented with spirulina (arthrospira platensis)

Abstract

As malnutrition, which primarily affects pregnant mothers and newborns, is a major problem in developing countries it is necessary to use functional food sources that help to improve this problem. Spirulina is a widely available food with a good nutritional profile that could be useful, however, there is no evidence of its effect on the fatty acid profile during the reproductive period in female rats. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of spirulina consumption in pregnant-lactating and virgin Holtzman rats on the hepatic fatty acid profile. For this, 3 treatments were considered: control, 5% and 10% of spirulina supplement, evaluating the variables of the product/precursor ratio of the elongation and unsaturation enzymes of fatty acids in liver, liver and visceral fat weight, intake of food and body weight evolution. An increase in the concentration of PUFA n-6 and saturated fatty acids was obtained in the liver of pregnant-lactating rats, accompanied by a greater appetite and an increase in offspring weight at birth, without modifying the weight of the mothers. Liver weight decreased only in pregnant-lactating rats and visceral fat increased only in virgin rats. It is concluded that the intake of spirulina in pregnant-lactating rats improves their PUFA n-6 hepatic profile and their appetite, as well as the weight of the pups at birth, without influencing the weight of mothers.