Long chain n-3 PUFA-rich meal reduced postprandial measures of arterial stiffness.
OBJECTIVE
The consumption of long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFA) is known to be cardio-protective. Data on the influence of LC n-3 PUFA on arterial stiffness in the postprandial state is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of a LC n-3 PUFA-rich meal on measures of arterial stiffness.


METHODS
Twenty-five healthy subjects (12 men, 13 women) received a control and a LC n-3 PUFA-rich meal on two occasions in a random order. Arterial stiffness was measured at baseline, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 and 240 min after meal consumption by pulse wave analysis and digital volume pulse to derive an augmentation index and a stiffness index respectively. Blood samples were taken for measurement of lipids, glucose and insulin.


RESULTS
Consumption of the LC n-3 PUFA-rich meal had an attenuating effect on augmentation index (P=0.02) and stiffness index (P=0.03) compared with the control meal. A significant treatment effect (P=0.036) was seen for plasma non-esterified fatty acids concentrations.


CONCLUSIONS
These data indicate that acute LC n-3 PUFA-rich meal consumption can improve postprandial arterial stiffness. This has important implications for the beneficial properties of LC n-3 PUFA and cardiovascular risk reduction.
Chong
Mary F-F
MF
Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition and Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK.
Lockyer
Stacey
S
Saunders
Caroline J
CJ
Lovegrove
Julie A
JA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001158:Arteries / Q000473:pathology*; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified / Q000097:blood; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019518:Postprandial Period; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D055815:Young Adult
D001786:Blood Glucose; D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D007328:Insulin; D008055:Lipids