Factors associated with plasma n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid levels in Tanzanian infants

Background/Objectives To identify factors associated with plasma polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels among 3-month-old Tanzanian infants. Subjects/Methods Infants ( n = 238) and mothers ( n = 193) randomly selected from participants in the neonatal vitamin A supplementation randomized controlled trial. A cross-sectional study of maternal–infant pairs at 3 months postpartum. Results All infant total, n-3, n-6, and individual PUFA levels were correlated with maternal levels. Infant plasma n-3 PUFA levels were higher when maternal n-3 PUFA levels were higher (mean difference in infant % fatty acid per unit increase in maternal levels ± standard error: 0.79 ± 0.08; P