Maternal-fetal in vivo transfer of [13C]docosahexaenoic and other fatty acids across the human placenta 12 h after maternal oral intake

Background: Fetal growth and development require n–3 (omega-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, but mechanisms for their placental transfer are not well understood. Objective: We assessed distribution and human placental transfer of 13C-labeled fatty acids (FAs) 12 h after oral application. Design: Eleven pregnant women received 0.5 mg [13C]palmitic acid (13C-PA; 16:0), 0.5 mg [13C]oleic acid (13C-OA; 18:1n–9), 0.5 mg [13C]linoleic acid...