Mono- and polyenoic acid distribution in plasma nonesterified fatty acids in Kwashiorkor

Plasma NEFA levels were determined in Kwashiorkor (17 cases) and normal infants (13 cases) by Dole's method. The distribution of mono- and polyenoic acids was investigated by Abdel-Wahab's method. Plasma NEFA levels were found to be significantly lower in Kwashiorkor infants (445 μEq/L±32) than in normals (591 μEq/L±66). Plasma oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids were detected in measurable amounts in both Kwashiorkor and normals, but were significantly higher in Kwashiorkor. Arachidonic acid was hardly detectable in either group. The high levels of mono- and polyenoic acids in Kwashiorkor can be attributed to demands on them for the synthesis of fat and/or preferential utilization of the unsaturated fatty acids in mobilization of other lipid components. © 1971 American Oil Chemists' Society.