Supplementation with flaxseed oil versus sunflowerseed oil in healthy young men consuming a low fat diet: effects on platelet composition and function.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effects of supplementing a low fat diet with an alpha-linolenic acid-rich (C18:3 n-3) oil with a linoleic acid-rich (C18:2 n-6) oil on platelet composition and function.


METHODS
Prospective study with random allocation to one of the two oils.


METHODS
Free-living study.


METHODS
Eleven healthy young males recruited from within the University.


METHODS
Subjects were allocated to consume 40 g of either flaxseed oil (n = 5) or sunflowerseed oil (n = 6) daily for 23 days. Fasting blood samples were collected at commencement and completion of supplementation for analysis of platelet fatty acids and platelet aggregation.


RESULTS
The platelet eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) more than doubled in the group taking flaxseed oil (P < 0.05) but was unchanged in the sunflowerseed group. As a result the platelet EPA:arachidonic acid ratio, considered a marker for thromboxane production and platelet aggregation potential, increased in the flaxseed group (P < 0.05). The aggregation response induced by 0.75 and 2 micrograms of collagen was decreased in those taking flaxseed oil (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides further evidence that consumption of alpha-linolenic acid-rich oils may offer protective effects against cardiovascular disease over linoleic acid-rich oils via their ability to decrease the tendency of platelets to aggregate.
Allman
M A
MA
Department of Biochemistry, University of Sydney, Australia.
Pena
M M
MM
Pang
D
D
D000328:Adult; D016718:Arachidonic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D018752:Diet, Fat-Restricted; D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D002149:Energy Intake; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000378:metabolism*; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000378:metabolism; D005527:Food, Fortified; D006801:Humans; D008043:Linseed Oil / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010974:Platelet Aggregation / Q000187:drug effects; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D000074242:Sunflower Oil; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid / Q000378:metabolism
D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D010938:Plant Oils; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D000074242:Sunflower Oil; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid; D016718:Arachidonic Acid; D008043:Linseed Oil; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid; C026219:docosapentaenoic acid