Arachidonic Acid in Umbilical Cord Vessels of Black Women Effects of Alcohol Intake During Pregnancy on Docosahexaenoic Acid and

ABSTRACT. Objective. Alcohol influences the intakeand metabolism of several nutrients including long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs). The LC-PUFAs docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonicacid (AA) are particularly crucial for intrauterine growthand brain development. We hypothesized that alcoholconsumption adversely affects LC-PUFA levels in preg-nant women and their newborn infants. Methods. Pregnant black women ( N 208) present-ing at a core city antenatal clinic were screened andrecruited. Shortly before delivery, maternal plasma wascollected. After delivery, umbilical arteries and veinswere dissected from the cords, total lipids were extractedfrom the vessel tissues and maternal plasma, and fattyacid levels were assayed by gas chromatography. Forstatistical analysis, subjects were categorized accordingto absolute alcohol intake per day (AAD) and absolutealcohol intake per drinking day (AADD) around the timeof conception, with smoking and other potential con-founders included in the analyses.