Administration of Natural Fish and Algal Oils in Nanoparticle Form to Pregnant Gilts and Newborn Piglets: Biochemical Effects and Spatial-Socio-Economic Implications for Regional Food Systems.

This study investigated the influence of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on the activity of antioxidant defence systems and DNA repair enzymes in the liver of newborn piglets born to gilts that were supplemented with fish oil or algal oil during pregnancy. The oils were offered in their natural form or as nanoparticles. Daily doses of both natural and nano-encapsulated oils were calculated to provide each gilt with 3100 mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 600 mg for the gilt and 250 mg for each foetus). Liver samples were collected from six piglets per gilt within 24 h after birth. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured spectrophotometrically, while DNA repair enzyme activities-formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase (FPG), thymine-DNA glycosylase (TDG), and N-methylpurine DNA glycosylase (MPG)-were assessed by Fpg protein digestion. SOD activity was lowest in piglets from gilts supplemented with algal oil, fish oil, and nano-encapsulated fish oil. Piglets born to the gilts that received algal oil nanoparticles showed higher activity (1.57 U/mg), while the highest activity was recorded in control piglets. CAT activity followed a similar trend; it was lowest in algal oil-supplemented mothers and highest in controls. GPx activity was lowest in piglets born to gilts that received algal oil (both forms) and highest in controls. The FPG activity in piglets birthed by PUFA-supplemented gilts was approximately half that of MPG and TDG, indicating reduced oxidative DNA damage. Both fish oil and algal oil, regardless of the form administered, effectively reduce oxidative stress in pregnant gilts and the associated DNA damage in the livers of their offspring. These findings suggest that maternal supplementation with long-chain n-3 PUFAs can protect newborn piglets from oxidative damage. Furthermore, regional disparities in access to functional foods underline the importance of targeted strategies that integrate local food systems and health planning to promote nutritional equity.