Effect on serum lipids and lipoproteins of diets enriched with a terrestrial (flaxseed) versus algal‐oil (V‐Pure®) source of n‐3 fatty acids in healthy adults

Background

Algal-oil supplements usually contain only docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The algal-oil based V-Pure® supplement contains both eicosapentanenoic acid (EPA) and DHA, thus mimics fish oil supplements. However, the effects of consuming V-Pure® on serum lipids, lipoproteins, apolipoproteins and their corresponding ratios are unknown.

Aim and Methods

To compare the effect on serum lipids, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins of diets enriched with a terrestrial source (flaxseed oil) of α-linolenic acid (ALA) versus V-Pure supplement (S), we performed a randomized cross-over study (3 8-week study periods) in 24 healthy adults (mean±SE age 42±2.7 years). Under controlled feeding conditions, subjects consumed eucaloric diets [10:1 n-6:n-3 ratio (Control), 2:1 n-6:n-3 ratio (flaxseed oil, ALA; 6–7g/2400 kcal/d) and 10:1+S (0.20/0.72g EPA/DHA per 2400 kcal/d)]. A mixed model analysis was conducted.

Results

Compared to the Control diet, the 10:1+S diet produced an increase in total cholesterol (9.9±9.9 mg/dl), apolipoprotein B (ApoB) (5.3±5.0 mg/dl) and ApoB:ApoA1 (0.06±0.04) in the context of a 17.8±11.5 mg/dl decrease in triglyceride levels (all p<0.05).

Conclusion

Consumption of a 10:1 n-6 to n-3 diet plus an algal-oil supplement containing both EPA and DHA results in contrasting lipid changes; however, consumption of a different source of n-3 fatty acids (flaxseed oil) yielded neutral effects.