ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between plasma content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and fatigue among college students. MethodsA total of 65 healthy voluntary subjects were recruited from a university in Guangzhou. Plasma samples were collected and PUFAs levels were determined by gas chromatography (GC). The temperature program ramped from 170℃ to 210℃ at 3℃ per minute for 6 minutes, then from 210℃ to 230℃ at 10℃ per minute for 46 minutes. The examination items included: linoleic acid (LA), arachidonic acid (AA), α-linolenic acid (α-LNA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Acid catalysis method was used for catalyzing methyl esterification of fatty acid, and an internal standard method using heptadecanoic acid was adopted for direct and quick determination of PUFAs in plasma. Fatigue sub-scale of brief profile of mood states (BPOMS) was used for fatigue evaluation. ResultsSignificant gender difference was found in AA levels among the subjects (P<0.01) and no gender difference was found for fatigue score (P>0.05). Levels of α-LNA were negatively correlated with the fatigue score among males, females and all the subjects (r=-0.454 3, r=-0.342 2, and r=-0.367 4, all P<0.05). The subjects were divided into a high-score group (n=33) and a low-score group (n=32) according to fatigue scores. And we found that the α-LNA levels and intake frequencies of eggs and nuts were significantly different between the high-score group and the low-score group( P<0.01 or P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis for the factors of fatigue (Y) showed that only α-LNA (X) entered the model after adjusting, with the regression equation being: Y=10.256 1-0.029 35 X (t=2.59, P=0.090 8). ConclusionFatigue is common among college students, and it is negatively correlated with the α-LNA level. Students should develop a scientific diet and take more food rich in ω-3 fatty acid, especially in α-LNA so as to effectively prevent and alleviate fatigue.