Omega-3 fatty acids in hypertriglyceridemic patients: triglycerides vs methyl esters.
The purpose of this study was to compare the relative effects of omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 FAs) in the triglyceride (TG) and methly ester (ME) forms in a crossover design in patients with type IV hyperlipidemia. Eight male patients were given 18 vegetable-oil capsules (control); 18 capsules of a TG rich in omega-3 FAs (omega-3 TG); and 11 capsules containing omega-3-FA MEs (omega-3 ME). One supplement was given during each of three 6-wk periods. Equivalent amounts of omega-3 FAs (6.8 g/d) were provided by each of the omega-3 treatments. Plasma cholesterol (C) levels were unchanged during the two omega-3 phases whereas plasma TG levels fell by 44% during both. Low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels rose significantly with both omega-3-FA treatments, as did apolipoprotein B levels. When taken in either the TG or ME forms, omega-3 FAs are equally effective hypotriglyceridemic agents but they may raise LDL-C levels.
Lipid and Arteriosclerosis Prevention Clinic, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City 66103.
W S
WS
Harris
M L
ML
Zucker
C A
CA
Dujovne
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001053:Apolipoproteins / Q000097:blood; D002214:Capsules; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D006953:Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IV / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000097:blood; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000008:administration & dosage
D001053:Apolipoproteins; D002214:Capsules; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D010743:Phospholipids; D014280:Triglycerides; D002784:Cholesterol