Abstract
Background:
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3-PUFAs) are recognized for triglyceride-lowering effects in people with dyslipidemia, but it remains unclear if n3-PUFA intake influences lipoprotein profiles in older adults without hypertriglyceridemia.
Objective:
The objective was to determine the effect of n3-PUFA supplementation on plasma lipoprotein subfractions in healthy older men and women in the absence of cardiovascular disease or hypertriglyceridemia. This is a secondary analysis and considered exploratory.
Methods:
Thirty young (20-35 years) and 54 older (65-85 years) men and women were enrolled in the study. Fasting plasma samples were collected. Following baseline sample collection, 44 older adults were randomized to receive either n3-PUFA ethyl esters (3.9 g/day) or placebo (corn oil) for 6 months. Pre- and post-intervention plasma samples were used for quantitative lipoprotein subclass analysis using high-resolution proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Results:
The number of large, least-dense LDL particles decreased 17-18% with n3-PUFA compared to placebo (<1% change, p <0.01). The number of small, dense LDL particles increased 26-44% with n3-PUFA compared to placebo (∼11% decrease, p <0.01). The cholesterol content of large HDL particles increased by 32% with n3-PUFAs and by 2% in placebo (p <0.01). The cholesterol content of small HDL particles decreased by 23% with n3-PUFAs and by 2% in placebo (p <0.01).
Conclusion:
Despite increasing abundance of small, dense LDL particles that are associated with cardiovascular risk, n3-PUFAs reduced total triglycerides, maintained HDL, reduced systolic blood pressure, and shifted the HDL particle distribution toward a favorable cardioprotective profile in healthy older adults without dyslipidemia. This study suggests potential benefits of n3-PUFA supplementation to lipoprotein profiles in healthy older adults without dyslipidemia, which should be considered when weighing the potential health benefits against the cost and ecological impact of widespread use of n3-PUFA supplements.
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