Abstract
Background: The effects of fish oil products containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on LDL-C levels are controversial. Objective: To determine if changes in erythrocyte DHA are associated with changes in LDL-C levels. Methods: In this prospective observational study, erythrocyte DHA levels and LDL-C levels were measured in 9253 individuals who presented for at least two examinations at a medical clinic. Changes in DHA levels and the reported use of omega-3 dietary supplements were correlated with changes in LDL-C in multi-variable adjusted models including the use of LDL-C-lowering drugs. Results: Mean (standard deviation) age at baseline was 52.6 (10.6) years, and the time between exams averaged 1.9 (1.4) years. As a group, erythrocyte DHA increased from 5.0% (1.3) to 5.3% (1.3) (p < 0.001), and LDL-C was not significantly changed (109 (33) to 108 (33) mg/dL, p = 0.875). However, in multivariable-adjusted models of within-participant changes, a 1% increase in erythrocyte DHA was associated with a 1.9 mg/dL reduction in LDL-C (95% confidence interval (1.6, 2.2), p < 0.001). Similar relationships were seen with changes in erythrocyte EPA and EPA + DHA. In adjusted analyses, an increased use of omega-3 supplements was associated with a significant increase in erythrocyte DHA and a decrease in LDL-C in both users and non-users of lipid-lowering drugs. Conclusions: In a predominantly male, normolipidemic, middle-aged cohort, increases in erythrocyte DHA were associated with decreases in LDL-C, and initiating fish oil supplement use did not increase LDL-C. These findings may serve to reassure individuals who, in adopting a more heart-healthy lifestyle, want to increase their omega-3 fatty acid intake.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 212-217 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of clinical lipidology |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2021 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Cardiovascular disease
- Docosapentaenoic acid
- Eicosapentaenoic acid
- Low density lipoprotein
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Prospective cohort study
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Internal Medicine
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine