Janneke Dijck | University of Groningen (original) (raw)

Papers by Janneke Dijck

Clinical chemistry, 2001

Hyperhomocysteinemia is a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. We determined plasma homocyst... more Hyperhomocysteinemia is a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. We determined plasma homocysteine (Hcy) reference values at optimized vitamin status and investigated their influence on the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia in healthy adults. Results were compared with those obtained using European Concerted Action Project (ECAP) cutoff values. Healthy adults (n = 101) received folic acid (5 mg/day) and vitamin B(12) (1 mg/day) for 2 weeks and the same dosages of folic acid and vitamin B(12) plus vitamin B(6) (1 mg. kg(-1). day(-1)) during the following 2 weeks. Hcy concentrations, both fasting and 6-h post-methionine load, were determined at baseline and after 4 weeks. Baseline (4 weeks) fasting and 6-h postload Hcy reference values were 4.7-14.6 (4.1-9.3) and 18.8-49.7 (12.9-35.1) micromol/L, respectively. Mean fasting and 6-h postload Hcy decreased after 4 weeks of vitamin supplementation by 3.5 micromol/L (33.5%) and 8.5 micromol/L (26.3%), respectively. The percentages of s...

The Journal of Nutrition, 2011

Low long-chain PUFA (LC-PUFA, or LCP) consumption relates to suboptimal neurodevelopment, coronar... more Low long-chain PUFA (LC-PUFA, or LCP) consumption relates to suboptimal neurodevelopment, coronary artery disease, and [postpartum (PP)] depression. Maternal-to-infant LCP transport during pregnancy and lactation is at the expense of maternal status, a process known as biomagnification. Despite biomagnification, maternal and infant LCP status generally declines during lactation. To assess the 1) turning point of biomagnification [level from which maternal (m)LCP status exceeds infant (i)LCP status]; 2) LCP equilibrium (steady-state-level from which mRBC-LCP stop declining during lactation); 3) corresponding iLCP-status; and 4) the relationship between RBC-DHA and RBC-arachidonic acid (AA), we measured RBC-fatty acids in 193 Tanzanian mother-infant pairs with no, intermediate (2-3 times/wk), and high (4-5 times/ wk) freshwater fish consumption at delivery and after 3 mo of exclusive breast-feeding. At 3 mo, mRBC-DHA was lower than the corresponding iRBC-DHA up to a mRBC-DHA of 7.9 g%. mRBC-DHA equilibrium, with equivalent mRBC-DHA at both delivery and at 3 mo PP, occurred at 8.1 g%. This mRBC-DHA equilibrium of 8.1 g% corresponded with an iRBC-DHA of 7.1-7.2 g% at delivery that increased to 8.0 g% at 3 mo. We found between-group differences in mRBC-AA; however, no differences in iRBC-AA were observed at delivery or 3 mo. Relations between RBC-DHA and RBC-AA were bellshaped. We conclude that, at steady-state LCP intakes during lactation: 1) biomagnification occurs up to 8 g% mRBC-DHA; 2) mRBC-DHA equilibrium is reached at 8 g%; 3) mRBC-DHA equilibrium corresponds with an iRBC-DHA of 7 g% at delivery and 8 g% after 3 mo; 4) unlike RBC-DHA, mRBC-AA and iRBC-AA are independently regulated in these populations; and 5) bell-shaped RBC-DHA vs. RBC-AA-relations might support uniform iRBC-AA. A (maternal) RBC-DHA of 8 g% might be optimal for infant neurodevelopment and adult cardiovascular disease incidence.

Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids (PLEFA), 2000

Vegans do not consume meat and fish and have therefore low intakes of long chain polyunsaturated ... more Vegans do not consume meat and fish and have therefore low intakes of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP).They may consequently have little negative feedback inhibition from dietary LCP on conversion of a-linolenic acid (ALA) to the LCPo3 eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids.We investigated whether supplementation of nine apparently healthy vegans with 2.01g ALA (4 ml linseed oil),1. 17 g gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) (6 ml borage oil) or their combination increases the LCPo3 contents of erythrocytes (RBC) and platelets (PLT), and of plasma phospholipids (PL), cholesterol esters (CE) and triglycerides (TG).The supplements changed the dietary LA/ALA ratio (in g/g) from about 13.7 (baseline) to 6.8 (linseed oil),14.3 (borage oil) and 6.4 (linseed þ borage oil), respectively. ALA or GLA given as single supplements did not increase LCPo3 status, but their combination augmented LCPo3 (in CE) and EPA (in fastingTG) to a statistically significant, but nevertheless negligible, extent.We conclude that negative feedback inhibition by dietary LCP, if any, does not play an important role in the inability to augment notably DHA status by dietary ALA.The reach of a DHA plateau already at low dietary ALA intakes suggests that dietary DHA causes a non-functional DHA surplus, or is, alternatively, important for maintaining DHA status at a functionally relevant level.

Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids (PLEFA), 2000

We compared the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) status of Dutch vegans and omnivores to investi... more We compared the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) status of Dutch vegans and omnivores to investigate whether disparities can be explained by different diets and long chain PUFA (LCP) synthesis rates. Dietary intakes and fatty acid compositions of erythrocytes (RBC), platelets (PLT), plasma cholesterol esters (CE) and plasma triglycerides (TG) of12 strict vegans and15 age-and sex-matched omnivores were determined.Vegans had higher o6 (

Clinica Chimica Acta, 2003

Background: Homocysteine is a cardiovascular disease risk factor. We investigated, both in subjec... more Background: Homocysteine is a cardiovascular disease risk factor. We investigated, both in subjects with past plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) test indications and healthy adults, the diagnostic value of a fasting (tHcy) (f-tHcy) and the added value of a post-methionine-load tHcy (postload-tHcy). Methods: Plasma homocysteine cutoff values were retrospectively used for hyperhomocysteinemia assessment in 3477 subjects with past tHcy test indications and 177 apparently healthy subjects. Cutoff values were based on reference limits (f-tHcy V 15.0; postload-tHcy V 50.0 Amol/l), relative risk (f-tHcy V 12.0, postload-tHcy V 38.0; or f-tHcy V 10.0 Amol/l) and vitamin-optimized reference limits (f-tHcy V 9.3; postload-tHcy V 35.1 Amol/l). Results: Use of the American Heart Association 10 Amol/l f-tHcy cutoff value gave hyperhomocysteinemia prevalences of 65% in subjects with past tHcy test indications and 50% in healthy subjects. The combination of the vitamin-optimized reference limits for f-tHcy and postload-tHcy gave a hyperhomocysteinemia prevalence of 79% in subjects with tHcy test indications, of which only 5% was on account of increased postload-tHcy. Corresponding values for healthy subjects were 68% and 3%, respectively. Conclusions: Employment of a 10 Amol/l (American Heart Association) or 9.3 Amol/l (vitamin-optimized reference) cutoff value leaves no indications for tHcy testing from an evidence-based point-of-view.

Acta Paediatrica, 2007

Homocysteine is an intermediate in the folate cycle and methionine metabolism. This study investi... more Homocysteine is an intermediate in the folate cycle and methionine metabolism. This study investigated whether formula-fed infants have different plasma total homocysteine to their breastfed counterparts, and during what period any difference developed. Plasma total homocysteine was determined in 53 formula-fed and 15 breastfed healthy low-birthweight babies (< or = 2500 g) around days 10, 20 and 40. Total homocysteine was also measured in human milk. Mean +/- SD plasma total homocysteine levels (micromol l(-1)) at days 10, 20 and 40 were 6.4 +/- 2.6, 6.7 +/- 2.4 and 9.1 +/- 2.4 (breastfed), and 7.5 +/- 3.2, 7.3 +/- 2.1 and 7.4 +/- 1.6 (formula-fed). Homocysteine of breastfed babies at day 40 was higher than that of breastfed babies at day 20 (p < 0.0001), and that of formula-fed counterparts at day 40 (p = 0.002). Homocysteine correlated negatively with formula (day 10) and breast milk (day 40) volume intakes. Median (range) homocysteine in 12 mature human milk samples was 0.30 (not detectable to 0.7) micromol l(-1). Increasing plasma total homocysteine in breastfed babies to higher levels compared with formula-fed babies may be caused by a gradually developing suboptimal B-vitamin status in lactating women.

Journal of Nutrition

To investigate the minimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding for optimal neurological outcome, ... more To investigate the minimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding for optimal neurological outcome, we assessed the quality of general movements (GM) at 3 mo of 147 breastfed healthy term infants that were followed from birth. The quality of GM is a sensitive marker of neurological condition. The quality of GM was classified as normaloptimal, normal-suboptimal, mildly abnormal and definitely abnormal. Information on social and pre-and perinatal conditions and the duration of breastfeeding was collected prospectively. Logistical regression analyses were used to adjust for confounders. There was a positive association between breastfeeding duration and movement quality, with a saturation effect at the age of ϳ 6 wk. In the group of infants breastfed for ≤ 6 wk (n ‫؍‬ 55), 18% exhibited normaloptimal GM, 47% normal-suboptimal GM, and 47% mildly abnormal GM. In contrast, in the group of infants breastfed for > 6 wk (n ‫؍‬ 92), 43% exhibited normal-optimal GM, 45% normal-suboptimal GM, and 12% mildly abnormal GM. Exclusive breastfeeding for >6 wk was therefore associated with markedly less abnormal and more normal-optimal GM. Thus, we conclude that breastfeeding for > 6 wk might improve the neurological condition in infants.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism

The Netherlands journal of medicine, 2011

The dietary intake of saturated fatty acids (SAFA) is associated with a modest increase in serum ... more The dietary intake of saturated fatty acids (SAFA) is associated with a modest increase in serum total cholesterol, but not with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Replacing dietary SAFA with carbohydrates (CHO), notably those with a high glycaemic index, is associated with an increase in CVD risk in observational cohorts, while replacing SAFA with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is associated with reduced CVD risk. However, replacing a combination of SAFA and trans-fatty acids with n-6 PUFA (notably linoleic acid) in controlled trials showed no indication of benefit and a signal toward increased coronary heart disease risk, suggesting that n-3 PUFA may be responsible for the protective association between total PUFA and CVD. High CHO intakes stimulate hepatic SAFA synthesis and conservation of dietary SAFA . Hepatic de novo lipogenesis from CHO is also stimulated during eucaloric dietary substitution of SAFA by CHO with high glycaemic index in normo-insulinaemic subjects and during h...

The British journal of nutrition, 2015

CHD may ensue from chronic systemic low-grade inflammation. Diet is a modifiable risk factor for ... more CHD may ensue from chronic systemic low-grade inflammation. Diet is a modifiable risk factor for both, and its optimisation may reduce post-operative mortality, atrial fibrillation and cognitive decline. In the present study, we investigated the usual dietary intakes of patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), emphasising on food groups and nutrients with putative roles in the inflammatory/anti-inflammatory balance. From November 2012 to April 2013, we approached ninety-three consecutive patients (80 % men) undergoing elective CABG. Of these, fifty-five were finally included (84 % men, median age 69 years; range 46-84 years). The median BMI was 27 (range 18-36) kg/m2. The dietary intake items were fruits (median 181 g/d; range 0-433 g/d), vegetables (median 115 g/d; range 0-303 g/d), dietary fibre (median 22 g/d; range 9-45 g/d), EPA+DHA (median 0·14 g/d; range 0·01-1·06 g/d), vitamin D (median 4·9 μg/d; range 1·9-11·2 μg/d), saturated fat (median 13·1 % ...

Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and essential fatty acids

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) are important for neurodevelopment. The effe... more Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) are important for neurodevelopment. The effects of DHA (220 mg/day, n=41), DHA+AA (220 mg/day, n=39) or placebo (n=34) during pregnancy and lactation on neurodevelopment at 18 months, and the relations between umbilical cord DHA, AA and Mead acid and neurodevelopment were studied. An age-specific, standardized neurological assessment for the evaluation of minor neurological dysfunction (MND), and the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID) were used. The intervention did not influence any of the outcomes. Umbilical venous (UV) Mead acid was negatively and n-6 fatty acids were weakly positively associated to the BSID mental developmental index. Children with simple MND had lower UV DHA compared to normally classified children. We conclude that relatively short-term maternal DHA or DHA+AA supplementation does not influence neurodevelopment at toddler age, although some parameters of brain development are related to perinatal DHA ...

Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and essential fatty acids, 2009

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) are important for neurodevelopment. Maternal... more Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) are important for neurodevelopment. Maternal diet influences milk DHA, whereas milk AA seems rather constant. We investigated milk AA, DHA and DHA/AA after supplementation of AA plus DHA, or DHA alone during pregnancy and lactation. Women were supplemented with AA+DHA (220mg each/day), DHA (220mg/day) or placebo during pregnancy and lactation. Milk samples were collected at 2 (n=86) and 12 weeks (n=69) postpartum. Supplementation of AA+DHA elevated milk AA (week 2, 14%; week 12, 23%) and DHA (43% and 52%) as compared to placebo. DHA tended to decrease milk AA and vice versa. Milk AA, DHA and DHA/AA decreased from 2 to 12 weeks postpartum. Milk AA and in particular DHA are sensitive to maternal supplementation. It seems that maternal AA and notably DHA status decline with advancing lactation.

The Journal of nutrition, 2003

To investigate the minimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding for optimal neurological outcome, ... more To investigate the minimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding for optimal neurological outcome, we assessed the quality of general movements (GM) at 3 mo of 147 breastfed healthy term infants that were followed from birth. The quality of GM is a sensitive marker of neurological condition. The quality of GM was classified as normal-optimal, normal-suboptimal, mildly abnormal and definitely abnormal. Information on social and pre- and perinatal conditions and the duration of breastfeeding was collected prospectively. Logistical regression analyses were used to adjust for confounders. There was a positive association between breastfeeding duration and movement quality, with a saturation effect at the age of approximately 6 wk. In the group of infants breastfed for < or = 6 wk (n = 55), 18% exhibited normal-optimal GM, 47% normal-suboptimal GM, and 47% mildly abnormal GM. In contrast, in the group of infants breastfed for > 6 wk (n = 92), 43% exhibited normal-optimal GM, 45% norm...

The American journal of clinical nutrition, 2003

Whether long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPs) play a role in the development of the young... more Whether long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPs) play a role in the development of the young nervous system in term infants is debated. We investigated whether supplementation of formula with LCPs for 2 mo improves the quality of general movements (GMs) in healthy term infants at 3 mo of age. A prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled study was conducted with 2 groups of healthy term infants: a control-formula (CF) group (n = 131) and an LCP-supplemented-formula (LF) group (n = 119). A breastfed (BF) group (n = 147) served as a reference. Information on potential confounders was collected at enrollment. Videotapes were made of the infants' spontaneous motor behavior at 3 mo of age to assess the quality of their GMs. On the basis of quality, normal GMs were classified as normal-optimal or normal-suboptimal, and abnormal GMs were classified as mildly or definitely abnormal. Attrition at 3 mo of age was 15% and nonselective. Multivariate regression analyses with adjust...

The American journal of clinical nutrition, 2001

Clinical chemistry, 2001

Hyperhomocysteinemia is a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. We determined plasma homocyst... more Hyperhomocysteinemia is a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. We determined plasma homocysteine (Hcy) reference values at optimized vitamin status and investigated their influence on the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia in healthy adults. Results were compared with those obtained using European Concerted Action Project (ECAP) cutoff values. Healthy adults (n = 101) received folic acid (5 mg/day) and vitamin B(12) (1 mg/day) for 2 weeks and the same dosages of folic acid and vitamin B(12) plus vitamin B(6) (1 mg. kg(-1). day(-1)) during the following 2 weeks. Hcy concentrations, both fasting and 6-h post-methionine load, were determined at baseline and after 4 weeks. Baseline (4 weeks) fasting and 6-h postload Hcy reference values were 4.7-14.6 (4.1-9.3) and 18.8-49.7 (12.9-35.1) micromol/L, respectively. Mean fasting and 6-h postload Hcy decreased after 4 weeks of vitamin supplementation by 3.5 micromol/L (33.5%) and 8.5 micromol/L (26.3%), respectively. The percentages of s...

Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, 2011

Introduction: The relation between docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) vs. arachidon... more Introduction: The relation between docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) vs. arachidonic acid (AA) seems characterized by both synergism and antagonism. Materials and methods: Investigate the relation between EPA þ DHA and AA in populations with a wide range of EPA þDHA status and across the life cycle. EPA þ DHA and AA were determined in erythrocytes (RBC; n ¼ 1979), umbilical arteries (UA; n ¼ 789) and umbilical veins (UV; n ¼ 785). Results: In all compartments, notably RBC, the relation between EPA þDHA and AA appeared bellshaped. Populations with low RBC-EPA þDHA (o 2 g%) exhibited positive relationships; those with high RBC-EPA þDHA (4 8 g%) negative relationships. Antagonism in UA and UV could not be demonstrated. Conclusion: Both synergism and antagonism might aim at a balance between o6 and o3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCP) to maintain homeostasis. Synergism might be a feature of low LCPo3 status. AA becomes suppressed by antagonism from an RBC-EPA þ DHA 4 8 g%.

Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry, Jan 29, 2014

In the present study we evaluate the feasibility of gene expression in white blood cells as a per... more In the present study we evaluate the feasibility of gene expression in white blood cells as a peripheral marker for winter depression. Sixteen patients with winter type seasonal affective disorder were included in the study. Blood was taken by venous puncture at three time points; in winter prior and following bright light therapy and in summer. RNA was isolated, converted into cRNA, amplified and hybridized on Illumina® gene expression arrays. The raw optical array data were quantile normalized and thereafter analyzed using a metagene approach, based on previously published Affymetrix gene array data. The raw data were also subjected to a secondary analysis focusing on circadian genes and genes involved in serotonergic neurotransmission. Differences between the conditions were analyzed, using analysis of variance on the principal components of the metagene score matrix. After correction for multiple testing no statistically significant differences were found. Another approach uses ...

Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and essential fatty acids, 2010

We showed that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation during pregnancy and lactation was asso... more We showed that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation during pregnancy and lactation was associated with more mildly abnormal (MA) general movements (GMs) in the infants. Since this finding was unexpected and inter-individual DHA intakes are highly variable, we explored the relationship between GM quality and erythrocyte DHA, arachidonic acid (AA), DHA/AA and Mead acid in 57 infants of this trial. MA GMs were inversely related to AA, associated with Mead acid, and associated with DHA/AA in a U-shaped manner. These relationships may indicate dependence of newborn AA status on synthesis from linoleic acid. This becomes restricted during the intrauterine period by abundant de novo synthesis of oleic and Mead acids from glucose, consistent with reduced insulin sensitivity during the third trimester. The descending part of the U-shaped relation between MA GMs and DHA/AA probably indicates DHA shortage next to AA shortage. The ascending part may reflect a different developmental traje...

Clinical chemistry, 2001

Hyperhomocysteinemia is a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. We determined plasma homocyst... more Hyperhomocysteinemia is a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. We determined plasma homocysteine (Hcy) reference values at optimized vitamin status and investigated their influence on the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia in healthy adults. Results were compared with those obtained using European Concerted Action Project (ECAP) cutoff values. Healthy adults (n = 101) received folic acid (5 mg/day) and vitamin B(12) (1 mg/day) for 2 weeks and the same dosages of folic acid and vitamin B(12) plus vitamin B(6) (1 mg. kg(-1). day(-1)) during the following 2 weeks. Hcy concentrations, both fasting and 6-h post-methionine load, were determined at baseline and after 4 weeks. Baseline (4 weeks) fasting and 6-h postload Hcy reference values were 4.7-14.6 (4.1-9.3) and 18.8-49.7 (12.9-35.1) micromol/L, respectively. Mean fasting and 6-h postload Hcy decreased after 4 weeks of vitamin supplementation by 3.5 micromol/L (33.5%) and 8.5 micromol/L (26.3%), respectively. The percentages of s...

The Journal of Nutrition, 2011

Low long-chain PUFA (LC-PUFA, or LCP) consumption relates to suboptimal neurodevelopment, coronar... more Low long-chain PUFA (LC-PUFA, or LCP) consumption relates to suboptimal neurodevelopment, coronary artery disease, and [postpartum (PP)] depression. Maternal-to-infant LCP transport during pregnancy and lactation is at the expense of maternal status, a process known as biomagnification. Despite biomagnification, maternal and infant LCP status generally declines during lactation. To assess the 1) turning point of biomagnification [level from which maternal (m)LCP status exceeds infant (i)LCP status]; 2) LCP equilibrium (steady-state-level from which mRBC-LCP stop declining during lactation); 3) corresponding iLCP-status; and 4) the relationship between RBC-DHA and RBC-arachidonic acid (AA), we measured RBC-fatty acids in 193 Tanzanian mother-infant pairs with no, intermediate (2-3 times/wk), and high (4-5 times/ wk) freshwater fish consumption at delivery and after 3 mo of exclusive breast-feeding. At 3 mo, mRBC-DHA was lower than the corresponding iRBC-DHA up to a mRBC-DHA of 7.9 g%. mRBC-DHA equilibrium, with equivalent mRBC-DHA at both delivery and at 3 mo PP, occurred at 8.1 g%. This mRBC-DHA equilibrium of 8.1 g% corresponded with an iRBC-DHA of 7.1-7.2 g% at delivery that increased to 8.0 g% at 3 mo. We found between-group differences in mRBC-AA; however, no differences in iRBC-AA were observed at delivery or 3 mo. Relations between RBC-DHA and RBC-AA were bellshaped. We conclude that, at steady-state LCP intakes during lactation: 1) biomagnification occurs up to 8 g% mRBC-DHA; 2) mRBC-DHA equilibrium is reached at 8 g%; 3) mRBC-DHA equilibrium corresponds with an iRBC-DHA of 7 g% at delivery and 8 g% after 3 mo; 4) unlike RBC-DHA, mRBC-AA and iRBC-AA are independently regulated in these populations; and 5) bell-shaped RBC-DHA vs. RBC-AA-relations might support uniform iRBC-AA. A (maternal) RBC-DHA of 8 g% might be optimal for infant neurodevelopment and adult cardiovascular disease incidence.

Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids (PLEFA), 2000

Vegans do not consume meat and fish and have therefore low intakes of long chain polyunsaturated ... more Vegans do not consume meat and fish and have therefore low intakes of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP).They may consequently have little negative feedback inhibition from dietary LCP on conversion of a-linolenic acid (ALA) to the LCPo3 eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids.We investigated whether supplementation of nine apparently healthy vegans with 2.01g ALA (4 ml linseed oil),1. 17 g gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) (6 ml borage oil) or their combination increases the LCPo3 contents of erythrocytes (RBC) and platelets (PLT), and of plasma phospholipids (PL), cholesterol esters (CE) and triglycerides (TG).The supplements changed the dietary LA/ALA ratio (in g/g) from about 13.7 (baseline) to 6.8 (linseed oil),14.3 (borage oil) and 6.4 (linseed þ borage oil), respectively. ALA or GLA given as single supplements did not increase LCPo3 status, but their combination augmented LCPo3 (in CE) and EPA (in fastingTG) to a statistically significant, but nevertheless negligible, extent.We conclude that negative feedback inhibition by dietary LCP, if any, does not play an important role in the inability to augment notably DHA status by dietary ALA.The reach of a DHA plateau already at low dietary ALA intakes suggests that dietary DHA causes a non-functional DHA surplus, or is, alternatively, important for maintaining DHA status at a functionally relevant level.

Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids (PLEFA), 2000

We compared the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) status of Dutch vegans and omnivores to investi... more We compared the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) status of Dutch vegans and omnivores to investigate whether disparities can be explained by different diets and long chain PUFA (LCP) synthesis rates. Dietary intakes and fatty acid compositions of erythrocytes (RBC), platelets (PLT), plasma cholesterol esters (CE) and plasma triglycerides (TG) of12 strict vegans and15 age-and sex-matched omnivores were determined.Vegans had higher o6 (

Clinica Chimica Acta, 2003

Background: Homocysteine is a cardiovascular disease risk factor. We investigated, both in subjec... more Background: Homocysteine is a cardiovascular disease risk factor. We investigated, both in subjects with past plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) test indications and healthy adults, the diagnostic value of a fasting (tHcy) (f-tHcy) and the added value of a post-methionine-load tHcy (postload-tHcy). Methods: Plasma homocysteine cutoff values were retrospectively used for hyperhomocysteinemia assessment in 3477 subjects with past tHcy test indications and 177 apparently healthy subjects. Cutoff values were based on reference limits (f-tHcy V 15.0; postload-tHcy V 50.0 Amol/l), relative risk (f-tHcy V 12.0, postload-tHcy V 38.0; or f-tHcy V 10.0 Amol/l) and vitamin-optimized reference limits (f-tHcy V 9.3; postload-tHcy V 35.1 Amol/l). Results: Use of the American Heart Association 10 Amol/l f-tHcy cutoff value gave hyperhomocysteinemia prevalences of 65% in subjects with past tHcy test indications and 50% in healthy subjects. The combination of the vitamin-optimized reference limits for f-tHcy and postload-tHcy gave a hyperhomocysteinemia prevalence of 79% in subjects with tHcy test indications, of which only 5% was on account of increased postload-tHcy. Corresponding values for healthy subjects were 68% and 3%, respectively. Conclusions: Employment of a 10 Amol/l (American Heart Association) or 9.3 Amol/l (vitamin-optimized reference) cutoff value leaves no indications for tHcy testing from an evidence-based point-of-view.

Acta Paediatrica, 2007

Homocysteine is an intermediate in the folate cycle and methionine metabolism. This study investi... more Homocysteine is an intermediate in the folate cycle and methionine metabolism. This study investigated whether formula-fed infants have different plasma total homocysteine to their breastfed counterparts, and during what period any difference developed. Plasma total homocysteine was determined in 53 formula-fed and 15 breastfed healthy low-birthweight babies (&lt; or = 2500 g) around days 10, 20 and 40. Total homocysteine was also measured in human milk. Mean +/- SD plasma total homocysteine levels (micromol l(-1)) at days 10, 20 and 40 were 6.4 +/- 2.6, 6.7 +/- 2.4 and 9.1 +/- 2.4 (breastfed), and 7.5 +/- 3.2, 7.3 +/- 2.1 and 7.4 +/- 1.6 (formula-fed). Homocysteine of breastfed babies at day 40 was higher than that of breastfed babies at day 20 (p &lt; 0.0001), and that of formula-fed counterparts at day 40 (p = 0.002). Homocysteine correlated negatively with formula (day 10) and breast milk (day 40) volume intakes. Median (range) homocysteine in 12 mature human milk samples was 0.30 (not detectable to 0.7) micromol l(-1). Increasing plasma total homocysteine in breastfed babies to higher levels compared with formula-fed babies may be caused by a gradually developing suboptimal B-vitamin status in lactating women.

Journal of Nutrition

To investigate the minimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding for optimal neurological outcome, ... more To investigate the minimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding for optimal neurological outcome, we assessed the quality of general movements (GM) at 3 mo of 147 breastfed healthy term infants that were followed from birth. The quality of GM is a sensitive marker of neurological condition. The quality of GM was classified as normaloptimal, normal-suboptimal, mildly abnormal and definitely abnormal. Information on social and pre-and perinatal conditions and the duration of breastfeeding was collected prospectively. Logistical regression analyses were used to adjust for confounders. There was a positive association between breastfeeding duration and movement quality, with a saturation effect at the age of ϳ 6 wk. In the group of infants breastfed for ≤ 6 wk (n ‫؍‬ 55), 18% exhibited normaloptimal GM, 47% normal-suboptimal GM, and 47% mildly abnormal GM. In contrast, in the group of infants breastfed for > 6 wk (n ‫؍‬ 92), 43% exhibited normal-optimal GM, 45% normal-suboptimal GM, and 12% mildly abnormal GM. Exclusive breastfeeding for >6 wk was therefore associated with markedly less abnormal and more normal-optimal GM. Thus, we conclude that breastfeeding for > 6 wk might improve the neurological condition in infants.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism

The Netherlands journal of medicine, 2011

The dietary intake of saturated fatty acids (SAFA) is associated with a modest increase in serum ... more The dietary intake of saturated fatty acids (SAFA) is associated with a modest increase in serum total cholesterol, but not with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Replacing dietary SAFA with carbohydrates (CHO), notably those with a high glycaemic index, is associated with an increase in CVD risk in observational cohorts, while replacing SAFA with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is associated with reduced CVD risk. However, replacing a combination of SAFA and trans-fatty acids with n-6 PUFA (notably linoleic acid) in controlled trials showed no indication of benefit and a signal toward increased coronary heart disease risk, suggesting that n-3 PUFA may be responsible for the protective association between total PUFA and CVD. High CHO intakes stimulate hepatic SAFA synthesis and conservation of dietary SAFA . Hepatic de novo lipogenesis from CHO is also stimulated during eucaloric dietary substitution of SAFA by CHO with high glycaemic index in normo-insulinaemic subjects and during h...

The British journal of nutrition, 2015

CHD may ensue from chronic systemic low-grade inflammation. Diet is a modifiable risk factor for ... more CHD may ensue from chronic systemic low-grade inflammation. Diet is a modifiable risk factor for both, and its optimisation may reduce post-operative mortality, atrial fibrillation and cognitive decline. In the present study, we investigated the usual dietary intakes of patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), emphasising on food groups and nutrients with putative roles in the inflammatory/anti-inflammatory balance. From November 2012 to April 2013, we approached ninety-three consecutive patients (80 % men) undergoing elective CABG. Of these, fifty-five were finally included (84 % men, median age 69 years; range 46-84 years). The median BMI was 27 (range 18-36) kg/m2. The dietary intake items were fruits (median 181 g/d; range 0-433 g/d), vegetables (median 115 g/d; range 0-303 g/d), dietary fibre (median 22 g/d; range 9-45 g/d), EPA+DHA (median 0·14 g/d; range 0·01-1·06 g/d), vitamin D (median 4·9 μg/d; range 1·9-11·2 μg/d), saturated fat (median 13·1 % ...

Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and essential fatty acids

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) are important for neurodevelopment. The effe... more Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) are important for neurodevelopment. The effects of DHA (220 mg/day, n=41), DHA+AA (220 mg/day, n=39) or placebo (n=34) during pregnancy and lactation on neurodevelopment at 18 months, and the relations between umbilical cord DHA, AA and Mead acid and neurodevelopment were studied. An age-specific, standardized neurological assessment for the evaluation of minor neurological dysfunction (MND), and the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID) were used. The intervention did not influence any of the outcomes. Umbilical venous (UV) Mead acid was negatively and n-6 fatty acids were weakly positively associated to the BSID mental developmental index. Children with simple MND had lower UV DHA compared to normally classified children. We conclude that relatively short-term maternal DHA or DHA+AA supplementation does not influence neurodevelopment at toddler age, although some parameters of brain development are related to perinatal DHA ...

Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and essential fatty acids, 2009

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) are important for neurodevelopment. Maternal... more Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) are important for neurodevelopment. Maternal diet influences milk DHA, whereas milk AA seems rather constant. We investigated milk AA, DHA and DHA/AA after supplementation of AA plus DHA, or DHA alone during pregnancy and lactation. Women were supplemented with AA+DHA (220mg each/day), DHA (220mg/day) or placebo during pregnancy and lactation. Milk samples were collected at 2 (n=86) and 12 weeks (n=69) postpartum. Supplementation of AA+DHA elevated milk AA (week 2, 14%; week 12, 23%) and DHA (43% and 52%) as compared to placebo. DHA tended to decrease milk AA and vice versa. Milk AA, DHA and DHA/AA decreased from 2 to 12 weeks postpartum. Milk AA and in particular DHA are sensitive to maternal supplementation. It seems that maternal AA and notably DHA status decline with advancing lactation.

The Journal of nutrition, 2003

To investigate the minimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding for optimal neurological outcome, ... more To investigate the minimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding for optimal neurological outcome, we assessed the quality of general movements (GM) at 3 mo of 147 breastfed healthy term infants that were followed from birth. The quality of GM is a sensitive marker of neurological condition. The quality of GM was classified as normal-optimal, normal-suboptimal, mildly abnormal and definitely abnormal. Information on social and pre- and perinatal conditions and the duration of breastfeeding was collected prospectively. Logistical regression analyses were used to adjust for confounders. There was a positive association between breastfeeding duration and movement quality, with a saturation effect at the age of approximately 6 wk. In the group of infants breastfed for < or = 6 wk (n = 55), 18% exhibited normal-optimal GM, 47% normal-suboptimal GM, and 47% mildly abnormal GM. In contrast, in the group of infants breastfed for > 6 wk (n = 92), 43% exhibited normal-optimal GM, 45% norm...

The American journal of clinical nutrition, 2003

Whether long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPs) play a role in the development of the young... more Whether long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPs) play a role in the development of the young nervous system in term infants is debated. We investigated whether supplementation of formula with LCPs for 2 mo improves the quality of general movements (GMs) in healthy term infants at 3 mo of age. A prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled study was conducted with 2 groups of healthy term infants: a control-formula (CF) group (n = 131) and an LCP-supplemented-formula (LF) group (n = 119). A breastfed (BF) group (n = 147) served as a reference. Information on potential confounders was collected at enrollment. Videotapes were made of the infants' spontaneous motor behavior at 3 mo of age to assess the quality of their GMs. On the basis of quality, normal GMs were classified as normal-optimal or normal-suboptimal, and abnormal GMs were classified as mildly or definitely abnormal. Attrition at 3 mo of age was 15% and nonselective. Multivariate regression analyses with adjust...

The American journal of clinical nutrition, 2001

Clinical chemistry, 2001

Hyperhomocysteinemia is a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. We determined plasma homocyst... more Hyperhomocysteinemia is a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. We determined plasma homocysteine (Hcy) reference values at optimized vitamin status and investigated their influence on the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia in healthy adults. Results were compared with those obtained using European Concerted Action Project (ECAP) cutoff values. Healthy adults (n = 101) received folic acid (5 mg/day) and vitamin B(12) (1 mg/day) for 2 weeks and the same dosages of folic acid and vitamin B(12) plus vitamin B(6) (1 mg. kg(-1). day(-1)) during the following 2 weeks. Hcy concentrations, both fasting and 6-h post-methionine load, were determined at baseline and after 4 weeks. Baseline (4 weeks) fasting and 6-h postload Hcy reference values were 4.7-14.6 (4.1-9.3) and 18.8-49.7 (12.9-35.1) micromol/L, respectively. Mean fasting and 6-h postload Hcy decreased after 4 weeks of vitamin supplementation by 3.5 micromol/L (33.5%) and 8.5 micromol/L (26.3%), respectively. The percentages of s...

Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, 2011

Introduction: The relation between docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) vs. arachidon... more Introduction: The relation between docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) vs. arachidonic acid (AA) seems characterized by both synergism and antagonism. Materials and methods: Investigate the relation between EPA þ DHA and AA in populations with a wide range of EPA þDHA status and across the life cycle. EPA þ DHA and AA were determined in erythrocytes (RBC; n ¼ 1979), umbilical arteries (UA; n ¼ 789) and umbilical veins (UV; n ¼ 785). Results: In all compartments, notably RBC, the relation between EPA þDHA and AA appeared bellshaped. Populations with low RBC-EPA þDHA (o 2 g%) exhibited positive relationships; those with high RBC-EPA þDHA (4 8 g%) negative relationships. Antagonism in UA and UV could not be demonstrated. Conclusion: Both synergism and antagonism might aim at a balance between o6 and o3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCP) to maintain homeostasis. Synergism might be a feature of low LCPo3 status. AA becomes suppressed by antagonism from an RBC-EPA þ DHA 4 8 g%.

Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry, Jan 29, 2014

In the present study we evaluate the feasibility of gene expression in white blood cells as a per... more In the present study we evaluate the feasibility of gene expression in white blood cells as a peripheral marker for winter depression. Sixteen patients with winter type seasonal affective disorder were included in the study. Blood was taken by venous puncture at three time points; in winter prior and following bright light therapy and in summer. RNA was isolated, converted into cRNA, amplified and hybridized on Illumina® gene expression arrays. The raw optical array data were quantile normalized and thereafter analyzed using a metagene approach, based on previously published Affymetrix gene array data. The raw data were also subjected to a secondary analysis focusing on circadian genes and genes involved in serotonergic neurotransmission. Differences between the conditions were analyzed, using analysis of variance on the principal components of the metagene score matrix. After correction for multiple testing no statistically significant differences were found. Another approach uses ...

Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and essential fatty acids, 2010

We showed that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation during pregnancy and lactation was asso... more We showed that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation during pregnancy and lactation was associated with more mildly abnormal (MA) general movements (GMs) in the infants. Since this finding was unexpected and inter-individual DHA intakes are highly variable, we explored the relationship between GM quality and erythrocyte DHA, arachidonic acid (AA), DHA/AA and Mead acid in 57 infants of this trial. MA GMs were inversely related to AA, associated with Mead acid, and associated with DHA/AA in a U-shaped manner. These relationships may indicate dependence of newborn AA status on synthesis from linoleic acid. This becomes restricted during the intrauterine period by abundant de novo synthesis of oleic and Mead acids from glucose, consistent with reduced insulin sensitivity during the third trimester. The descending part of the U-shaped relation between MA GMs and DHA/AA probably indicates DHA shortage next to AA shortage. The ascending part may reflect a different developmental traje...