Increased alpha-linolenic acid intake lowers C-reactive protein, but has no effect on markers of atherosclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of increased alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)-intake on intima-media thickness (IMT), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) antibodies, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukins 6 and 10.


METHODS
Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.


METHODS
Moderately hypercholesterolaemic men and women (55 +/- 10 y) with two other cardiovascular risk factors (n = 103).


METHODS
Participants were assigned to a margarine enriched with ALA (fatty acid composition 46% LA, 15% ALA) or linoleic acid (LA) (58% LA, 0.3% ALA) for 2 y.


RESULTS
Dietary ALA intake was 2.3 en% among ALA users, and 0.4 en% among LA users. The 2-y progression rate of the mean carotid IMT (ALA and LA: +0.05 mm) and femoral IMT (ALA:+0.05 mm; LA:+0.04 mm) was similar, when adjusted for confounding variables. After 1 and 2 y, ALA users had a lower CRP level than LA users (net differences -0.53 and -0.56 mg/l, respectively, P < 0.05). No significant effects were observed in oxidized LDL antibodies, and levels of sICAM-1, interleukins 6 and 10.


CONCLUSIONS
A six-fold increased ALA intake lowers CRP, when compared to a control diet high in LA. The present study found no effects on markers for atherosclerosis.


BACKGROUND
The Dutch 'Praeventiefonds'.
Bemelmans
W J E
WJ
[1] 1Department of General Practice, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands [2] 3Centre for Nutrition and Health, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
Lefrandt
J D
JD
Feskens
E J M
EJ
van Haelst
P L
PL
Broer
J
J
Meyboom-de Jong
B
B
May
J F
JF
Tervaert
J W Cohen
JW
Smit
A J
AJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis / Q000187:drug effects*; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000494:pharmacology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000150:complications; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000097:blood; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood; D019787:Linoleic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D008383:Margarine / Q000032:analysis; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*
D004041:Dietary Fats; D015850:Interleukin-6; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid; D016753:Interleukin-10; D008383:Margarine; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D019787:Linoleic Acid