Randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial was conducted to assess the effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation on fasting lipid responses in men and women with below-average levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
57 men and women, 21-80 years of age, with fasting HDL levels of ≤ 44 mg/dl (in men) and ≤ 54 mg/dl (in women)
6 weeks
Subjects were randomized to receive 1.52 g/day DHA from DHA rich algal triglycerides or olive oil as a control, respectively.
DHA supplement showed a significant change in the triglyceride levels, total and LDL-C levels compared to placebo (see Fig. 1). Furthermore the percentage changes were significantly higher in DHA group and [-21 % (DHA) vs. -7% (controls), p=0.009] in triglycerides, total [6% vs. 2%; p=0.018] and low-density lipoprotein [12% vs. 3%; p=0.001] cholesterol concentrations.
The triglyceride to HDL cholesterol ratio [-1.33 vs. -0.50, p=0.010], also significantly reduced in DHA supplemented group compared to control.
A significant reduction in the percentage of LDL cholesterol carried by small, dense particles was found in the DHA supplemented group (changes =-10% vs. -3%, p=0.025) in comparison to the placebo.
Maki KC, et al. Lipid responses to a dietary docosahexaenoic acid supplement in men and women with below average levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol. J Am Coll Nutr. 2005;24(3):189-199.
