title: Increased alpha-linolenic acid intake lowers C-reactive protein, but has no effect on markers of atherosclerosis.
abstract: 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'.
authors.affiliation: [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.
authors.forename: W J E
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Bemelmans
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Lefrandt
authors.forename: E J M
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Feskens
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: van Haelst
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Broer
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Meyboom-de Jong
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: May
authors.forename: J W Cohen
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Tervaert
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Smit
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D004041:Dietary Fats; D015850:Interleukin-6; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid; D016753:Interleukin-10; D008383:Margarine; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D019787:Linoleic Acid