Oaks, B.M.Young, R.R.Adu-Afarwuah, S.Ashorn, U.Jackson, K.H.Lartey, A.Maleta, K.Okronipa, H.Sadalaki, J.Baldiviez, L.M.Shahab-Ferdows, S.Ashorn, P.Dewey, K.G.2019-02-082019-02-082017-02doi: 10.1016/j.plefa.2017.01.007http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh/handle/123456789/27360It is unknown whether a novel small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplement (SQ-LNS) containing alpha-linolenic (ALA) and linoleic acids impacts maternal plasma lipids and fatty acid status. We measured plasma fatty acids (wt%) and lipid concentrations at 36 wk gestation and breast milk fatty acids (wt%) at 6 months postpartum in a subsample of women enrolled in a randomized controlled trial studying the effects of SQ-LNS on birth outcomes and child growth. Women≤20 wk gestation in Ghana (n=1,320) and Malawi (n=1,391) were assigned to receive daily either: 1) iron-folic acid (pregnancy); 2) multiple micronutrients (pregnancy and lactation); or 3) SQ-LNS (pregnancy and lactation). At 36 wk, plasma ALA levels were higher in those receiving SQ-LNS. SQ-LNS increased breast milk ALA in Ghana but not Malawi. There was no effect on plasma lipids or other selected fatty acids. SQ-LNS may impact plasma and breast milk ALA levels depending on the population. © 2017 The AuthorsenCholesterolLactationLipidsOmega-3 fatty acidsPregnancySupplementationArticle