Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation improves vascular function and reduces inflammation in obese adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
Compared to normal weight adolescents, obese adolescents have lower serum omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentrations, augmented inflammatory activity and endothelial dysfunction. We wanted to assess whether n-3 supplementation increases the serum n-3 PUFA concentration, improves vascular function and morphology, and lowers inflammation in obese adolescents.


METHODS
Twenty-five obese adolescents (14 females, 11 males, age 15.7±1.0 years, BMI 33.8±3.9) were randomized to receive capsules containing either 1.2g/day n-3 or placebo for 3 months. The study was performed using a double-blind, cross-over design with a 6-week washout period. Anthropometry, blood pressure measurements and fasting blood samples were obtained before and after each treatment period. The vascular structure and function was measured after each treatment period.


RESULTS
The serum n-3 PUFA concentration increased with n-3 treatment. The reactive hyperemia response improved with n-3 treatment compared to placebo (p<0.01). N-3 supplementation also decreased the lymphocyte, monocyte, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β levels. No difference was found in the total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, HDL cholesterol, anthropometry, blood pressure, pulse wave velocity or vascular structure between the two treatment groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Daily supplementation with n-3 capsules increases the serum n-3 PUFA concentration, improves vascular function, and lowers the degree of inflammation in obese adolescents.
Dangardt
Frida
F
Department of Clinical Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. frida.dangardt@gu.se
Osika
Walter
W
Chen
Yun
Y
Nilsson
Ulf
U
Gan
Li-Ming
LM
Gronowitz
Eva
E
Strandvik
Birgitta
B
Friberg
Peter
P
D000293:Adolescent; D019540:Area Under Curve; D002319:Cardiovascular System; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005227:Fatty Acids; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000473:pathology*; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000737:chemistry; D010919:Placebos
D005227:Fatty Acids; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D010743:Phospholipids; D010919:Placebos