Does genetic variation in the Δ6-desaturase promoter modify the association between α-linolenic acid and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome?

Abstract

Background: Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are associated with protection against components of the metabolic syndrome, but the role of α-linolenic acid (ALA), the metabolic precursor of EPA and DHA, has not been studied. The Δ6-desaturase enzyme converts ALA into EPA and DHA, and genetic variation in the Δ6-desaturase gene (FADS2) may affect this conversion.