Omega-3 fatty acid intake results in a relationship between the fatty acid composition of LDL cholesterol ester and LDL cholesterol content in humans.

The relationship between the fatty acid composition of the low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol ester and LDL cholesterol content was assessed in 26 free-living, normal subjects. Dietary intakes of 14:0, 16:0, 18:0, 18:1, 18:2omega6, 18:3omega3, 20:4omega6, 20:5omega3, 22:6omega3 were calculated from seven-day food records kept by each subject at baseline and after three months of supplementation with olive, flaxseed or fish oil, respectively. A randomized cross-over design was used. The fatty acid content of specific foods was calculated. Fasting blood samples, taken at the beginning and end of each supplementation period, were analyzed for the fatty acid content present in individual lipoproteins. There was a significant correlation between 20:5omega3 and 22:6omega3 intake and the content of these fatty acids in the LDL cholesterol ester fraction. During the fish oil treatment period the 16:0 and 18:0 content of the LDL cholesterol ester was highly predictive of LDL cholesterol content. This relationship was not observed during the baseline or placebo (olive oil) supplement period.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes