The risk of essential fatty acid insufficiency in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases: fatty acid profile of phospholipids in serum and in colon biopsy specimen

Introduction: The aim of the study was to address the fatty acid (FA) status and its relationship with disease activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods: FA levels of the phospholipid fraction in serum and a colon biopsy specimen were measured in 17 patients with IBD. Results: A negative correlation between the histological activity of inflammation of the disease and the ratio of polyunsaturated FAs/no polyunsaturated FAs was observed. Moreover, the level of that ratio was lower in patients with IBDs as compared to controls. Conclusions: The FA profile in serum and in a colon biopsy specimen in patients with IBD is characteristic for essential fatty acid insufficiency.