Ethnicity, sex, FADS genetic variation, and hormonal contraceptive use influence delta-5- and delta-6-desaturase indices and plasma docosahexaenoic acid concentration in young Canadian adults: a cross-sectional study

Table 10 A summary of the relationship between minor allelic SNP and HC on the conversion of LA to AA, ALA to EPA and EPA to DHA

Conversion	Effect (SNPs or HC)	Caucasians		Asians
Conversion	Effect (SNPs or HC)	Males	Females	Males	Females
LA to AA	FADS1/FADS2 SNP	(−)	(−)	n/s	(−)
LA to AA	HC	n/a	(+)	n/a	n/s
ALA to EPA	FADS1/FADS2 SNP	n/s	n/s	n/s	n/s
ALA to EPA	HC	n/a	(+)	n/a	n/s
EPA to DHA	FADS2 SNP	n/s	(+)	n/s	n/s
EPA to DHA	HC	n/a	(+)	n/a	n/s

Given that the findings of the present study can only show a relationship exists and not causality, (+) and (−) signs are used to denote relative differences in conversion (high and low, respectively) indirectly measured as a ratio of product to precursor fatty acid. Abbreviations: HC hormonal contraceptives, SNP single nucleotide polymorphisms, n/a not applicable, n/s no significant effect.

ISSN: 1743-7075