Concentrations of linoleic acid in adipose tissue differ with age in women but not men.

Samples of adipose tissue, taken post-mortem from the anterior abdominal wall near the umbilicus, were obtained from road-accident victims in the Aberdeen area; subjects were of either sex with a wide age distribution (7-88 years). Similar samples were obtained from elderly females (mean age 77) who had died in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary from a variety of causes. Fatty acid compositions of samples were determined by capillary gas chromatography of methyl esters, which were obtained by direct esterification of the adipose tissue. The mean linoleic acid content for all samples was low compared with published values for similar samples from Europe and North America. Cumulative frequency distribution curves for linoleic acid did not differ with age in males but significant differences (P less than 0.001) occurred in females, with decreased concentrations in those aged over 60 compared to younger groups. Concentrations of trans-unsaturated fatty acids ranged between 2 and 7 per cent but did not differ significantly between groups. Low adipose concentrations of linoleic acid are regarded as a reflection of its reduced long-term dietary intake and as a risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease.