Influence of diet on (n-3) and (n-6) fatty acids in monkey erythrocytes

Cynomolgus monkeys were fed oils high in linoleic acid or with half of the linoleic acid replaced by either (n−3) linolenic acid or marine fatty acids. When the diet contained similar quantities of linoleic and (n−3) linolenic acid, erythrocyte fatty acids maintained a ratio of (n−6) to (n−3) fatty acids of approximately 2∶4. Fatty acids from menhaden oil enhanced the incorporation of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids into the monkey erythrocytes, the composition of which was not altered by additional α‐tocopherol.