Effect of Diets with and without Fat at Low and High Caloric Levels on Fatty Acids in Blood Cells and Plasma of Dogs

Abstract

In a study with 24 Beagle puppies receiving diets with and without fat (lard) for 6 to 7 months after weaning, it was found that the distribution of the fatty acids in erythrocytes and in plasma was influenced by the level of the caloric intake in the following respects. It was concluded from study of the serum lipids in the fat-deficient state that the dienoic acid levels of both cells and plasma are reliable indices of the dietary lack of linoleic acid. Moreover, the synthesis of trienoic acid and of tetraenoic acid are influenced remarkedly by the caloric intake and the resulting rate of growth; hence, they are also of value in interpreting degrees of deficiency.