Effects of docosahexaenoic acid on serum lipoproteins in patients with combined hyperlipidemia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of daily dietary supplementation with 1.25 g or 2.5 g of docosahexaenoic (DHA), in the absence of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), on serum lipids and lipoproteins in persons with combined hyperlipidemia (CHL) [serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) 130 to 220 mg/dL and triglycerides 150 to 400 mg/dL].


METHODS
After a 6-week dietary stabilization period, subjects entered a 4-week single-blind placebo (vegetable oil) run-in phase. Those with adequate compliance during the the run-in were randomized into one of three parallel groups (placebo, 1.25, or 2.5 g/day DHA) for 6 weeks of treatment. Supplements were administered in a triglyceride form contained in gelatin capsules. Primary outcome measurements were plasma phospholipid DHA content, serum triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). LDL-C and non-HDL-C.


RESULTS
The DHA content of plasma phospholipids increased dramatically (2 to 3 fold) in a dose-dependent manner. Significant (p < 0.05) changes were observed in serum triglycerides (17 to 21% reduction) and HDL-C (6% increase) which were of similar magnitude in both DHA groups. Non-HDL-C [+1.6 (NS) and +5.7% (p < 0.04)] and LDL-C [+9.3% (NS) and +13.6% (p < 0.001)] increased in the DHA treatment groups. All lipid effects reached an apparent steady state within the first 3 weeks of treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Dietary DHA, in the absence of EPA, can affect lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels in patients with combined hyperlipidemia. The desirable triglyceride and HDL-C changes were present at a dose which did not significantly increased non-HDL-C or LDL-C. These preliminary findings suggest that dietary supplementation with 1.25 g DHA/day, provided in a triglyceride form, may be an effective tool to aid in the management of hypertriglyceridemia.
Davidson
M H
MH
Chicago Center for Clinical Research, Illinois 60610, USA.
Maki
K C
KC
Kalkowski
J
J
Schaefer
E J
EJ
Torri
S A
SA
Drennan
K B
KB
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000368:Aged; D001682:Biological Availability; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood*; D004032:Diet; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000097:blood; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood*
D010743:Phospholipids; D014280:Triglycerides; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D002784:Cholesterol