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Published on: September 15, 2018
A long-term seal- and cod-liver-oil supplementation in hypercholesterolemic subjects
J Brox1, K Olaussen, B Osterud
1Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital of Tromsø, Norway. klkjjb@rito.no
Seal oil and cod-liver oil supplementation altered serum fatty acid profiles in hypercholesterolemic individuals. Both oils reduced platelet aggregation but did not impact blood lipids or monocyte activity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Nutrition
- Lipid Metabolism
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Background:
- Hypercholesterolemia is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Dietary interventions, including marine oil supplementation, are explored for managing cholesterol levels.
- Understanding the comparative effects of different marine oils is crucial for nutritional guidance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of seal oil (SO) versus cod-liver oil (CLO) supplementation on serum fatty acid composition, blood lipids, platelet aggregation, and monocyte activity in hypercholesterolemic subjects.
- To assess the long-term impact and washout effects of these marine oils.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 120 hypercholesterolemic subjects.
- Daily supplementation with 15 mL of seal oil or cod-liver oil for 14 months, followed by a 4-month washout period.
- Control group received no supplementation.
- Analysis of serum fatty acid profiles, blood lipids, platelet aggregation, and monocyte function.
Main Results:
- Marine oil consumption significantly altered serum fatty acid composition, with maximal changes observed by 10 months.
- Seal oil supplementation resulted in a 30% higher level of eicosapentaenoic acid compared to cod-liver oil.
- Both seal oil and cod-liver oil significantly reduced whole-blood platelet aggregation compared to the control group.
- No significant effects were observed on serum total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triacylglycerol, apolipoproteins, lipoprotein (a), or monocyte function.
Conclusions:
- Seal oil and cod-liver oil effectively modify serum fatty acid profiles and reduce platelet aggregation in individuals with moderate hypercholesterolemia.
- Neither oil demonstrated significant benefits in improving blood lipid profiles or modulating monocyte activity.
- Seal oil may offer a superior source of eicosapentaenoic acid compared to cod-liver oil.
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