Retrospective analysis of blood fatty acids profile on member of the military

INTRODUCTION: The study of the profile fatty acids (FA) as an energy and functional link of physical performance among enforcement agencies seems to be very relevant.
OBJECTIVE: Assessment of the blood FA profile of the body of military before and after a 4-month special duty associated with health and life risks.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, between-subjects, repeated measures, study was conducted during 2014 year. 25 OMON fighters of the Komi Republic were examined before the trip and after a 4-month trip to the North Caucasus, where they constantly experienced combat stress. As a comparison group - employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (12 man). The level of FAs pool in total blood plasma lipids was determined by gas chromatography.
RESULTS: During the initial examination of OMON fighters, a higher proportion of hypercholesterolemic myristic acid was revealed in both groups relative to the recommended norms. Its level was significantly higher in the special forces group and averaged 1.5 mol% (p = 0.028). The level of essential n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the blood plasma (α-linolenic and eicosapentaenoic acids) reduced relative to the baseline values in the participants against the background of a high proportion of linoleic acid was established, as evidenced by the high value of the n6/n3 index - 13.8 / 1 at the recommended standards of WHO 5- 7/1. A re-examination of OMON officers conducted after a trip showed a significant decrease in the level of saturated (p=0.040) and essential n-3 docosahexaenoic (p=0.000) and α-linolenic acids (p=0.003) in blood lipids in 92% and 68% of the subjects respectively. At the same time, the proportion of docosahexaenoic acid in the blood negative correlated with the indicator of personal anxiety (r= -0.32; p=0.028).
DISCUSSION: The professional activity of military and the presence of regular psycho-emotional stress most significantly affect the essential part of fatty acids. The conducted study indicates the need to optimize the diet of participants and additional intake of food supplement, n-3 PUFAs enriched.

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