Changes in membrane lipid composition of human erythrocytes after dietary supplementation of (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids. Maintenance of membrane fluidity.

The effect of dietary (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids on erythrocyte membrane lipid composition, fluidity, and flexibility was studied in seven healthy subjects. An eight weeks daily supplementation of 3 g of the (n-3) fatty acids eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid resulted in an increased unsaturation of erythrocyte phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). This change was accompanied by a slight decrease in PC and PE content (P less than 0.05) and an increase in sphingomyelin content (P less than 0.01). The erythrocyte membrane fluidity, measured with electron spin resonance of intact erythrocytes and with fluorescence polarization of erythrocyte ghosts did not change. No change was seen in the viscosity of erythrocyte suspensions of haematocrit = 0.80, measured at various shear rates. The supplementation caused a 42% decrease in plasma triacylglycerol levels. We suggest that the change in the erythrocyte membrane fatty acid composition induced by the dietary supplementation of (n-3) fatty acids might be counteracted by a change in the phospholipid class distribution, resulting in overall maintenance of membrane fluidity.