The Effect of Varying Fatty Acid Composition on Postprandial Airway Inflammation, Pulmonary Function, and Airway Resistance in Healthy, Young Adults.

Objective: To examine the effect of varying fatty acid composition in a HFM on eNO, pulmonary function, and airway resistance.

Methods: Fifteen individuals [6 M/9 F; 21.9 ± 1.5 years old] each completed three HFM conditions {SF, O6FA, and O3FA; 12 kcal/kg body weight, 63% total fat, and 0.72 g/kg sugar smoothies} in random order separated by at least 48 h. Airway inflammation assessed via eNO, pulmonary function measured using the maximum flow volume loop (MFVL) and airway resistance measured using impulse oscillometry (iOS) were taken at baseline, 2h and 4h postprandially.

Results: There was no difference in eNO or iOS across time in any condition or between conditions (p > 0.05). There was a significant time by condition effect for FEV₁ post-HFM in the SF and O6FA conditions (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Different fatty acid compositions do not increase eNO or iOS in healthy, college-aged participants after consumption of a HFM, though the minimally processed meals with fruit added may contribute to these findings.