Improvement of serum lipids and blood pressure during intervention with n-3 fatty acids was not associated with changes in insulin levels in subjects with combined hyperlipidaemia.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of an omega-3 fatty acid concentrate K85 on serum lipids, lipoproteins, insulin metabolism and blood pressure in subjects with combined hyperlipidaemia.


METHODS
After a run-in dietary period of 10 weeks, subjects were randomly allocated to receive either encapsulated K85 (n = 28) or corn oil (n = 29). The intervention was double-blind.


METHODS
An outpatient centre in Stavanger, Norway.


METHODS
Fifty-seven of 141 individuals, who, after the run-in period continued to meet the inclusion criteria: serum triglycerides of > or = 2.0 mmol L-1 and total serum cholesterol of > or = 6.0 mmol L-1.


METHODS
Encapsulated K85, containing 85% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), or corn oil, both administered in a daily dose of 4 g for 12 weeks.


METHODS
Change in metabolic and haemodynamic parameters related to intervention.


RESULTS
Serum EPA and DHA increased significantly in the K85 group during the treatment period. The body-mass index remained unchanged. A 28% reduction in serum triglycerides was noted in the K85 group from the first 4 weeks. Total serum cholesterol was significantly reduced with both regimens. Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased significantly during the first 8 weeks in the K85 group. Significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressures were noted in subjects on K85. The treatment did not affect serum glucose, plasma insulin and proinsulin levels. Insulin:glucose and proinsulin:glucose ratios remained unchanged.


CONCLUSIONS
The atherogenic risk profile was improved with K85 in subjects with combined hyperlipidaemia, but n-3 fatty acids supplementation did not affect glucose/insulin homeostasis.
Grundt
H
H
Department of Medicine, Central Hospital in Rogaland, Norway.
Nilsen
D W
DW
Hetland
O
O
Aarsland
T
T
Baksaas
I
I
Grande
T
T
Woie
L
L
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005527:Food, Fortified; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood*; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance
D001786:Blood Glucose; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D007328:Insulin; D008055:Lipids