Abstract

To study the consequences of some low and high ω-3 edibles oils on fatty acid profile, triacylglycerols and cholesterol levels of rats’ serum; males of albino rat were fed on diet containing 5 and 10% from each of linseed, safflower and olive oils individually for 4 weeks. The extracted oils and serum lipids were directed togas chromatography (GC) analysis. Serum triacylglycerols and total cholesterol were measured. Feeding rats on 5% olive oil for 4 weeks increased ω-6 monounsaturated fatty acid in serum lipid compared with other tested oils. Contrary relationship between oleic and palmetic acids in rat serum was found. Serum ω-6 di-unsaturated and ω-3 tri-unsaturated fatty acids were decreased in all treatments. Feeding rats on diets containing 5% ω-3 rich oil (linseed) was more effective in lowering the increase of serum triacylglycerol (TAG), while feeding on 10% linseed oil decreased total cholesterol levels compared with other oils. Generally, rats fed with ω-3 rich oil recorded the lowest TAG and total cholesterol levels during all feeding periods compared with other tested lower ω-3 oils.

Keywords: Omega-3 fatty acids, serum lipids, rats.