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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Males | Females | Males | Females | ||
| LA to AA | FADS1/FADS2 SNP | (−) | (−) | n/s | (−) |
| HC | n/a | (+) | n/a | n/s | |
| ALA to EPA | FADS1/FADS2 SNP | n/s | n/s | n/s | n/s |
| HC | n/a | (+) | n/a | n/s | |
| EPA to DHA | FADS2 SNP | n/s | (+) | n/s | n/s |
| 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.