LDL cholesterol-raising effect of low-dose docosahexaenoic acid in middle-aged men and women.
BACKGROUND
Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have variable effects on LDL cholesterol, and the effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are uncertain.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study was to determine the effect on blood lipids of a daily intake of 0.7 g DHA as triacylglycerol in middle-aged men and women.


METHODS
Men and women aged 40-65 y (n = 38) underwent a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of treatment with 0.7 g DHA/d for 3 mo.


RESULTS
DHA supplementation increased the DHA concentration in plasma by 76% (P < 0.0001) and the proportion in erythrocyte lipids by 58% (P < 0.0001). Values for serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and plasma apolipoprotein B concentrations were 4.2% (0.22 mmol/L; P = 0.04), 7.1% (0.23 mmol/L; P = 0.004), and 3.4% (P = 0.03) higher, respectively, with DHA treatment than with placebo. In addition, the LDL cholesterol:apolipoprotein B ratio was 3.1% higher with DHA treatment than with placebo (P = 0.04), which suggested an increase in LDL size. Plasma lathosterol and plant sterol concentrations were unaffected by treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
A daily intake of approximately 0.7 g DHA increases LDL cholesterol by 7% in middle-aged men and women. It is suggested that DHA down-regulates the expression of the LDL receptor.
Theobald
Hannah E
HE
Nutrition Food and Health Research Centre, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
Chowienczyk
Philip J
PJ
Whittall
Ros
R
Humphries
Steve E
SE
Sanders
Thomas A B
TA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D008055:Lipids; D008074:Lipoproteins; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids