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Blood lipids profile in hyperlipidemic children undergoing different dietary long chain polyunsaturated

Elvira Verduci1, Carlo Agostoni, Giovanni Radaelli

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan , Milan , Italy .

International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition
|November 16, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Dietary supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) shows potential for improving blood lipid profiles in children with primary hyperlipidemia. Further research is warranted to confirm these preliminary findings.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Lipid Metabolism

Background:

  • Primary hyperlipidemia in children is a growing concern with long-term cardiovascular implications.
  • Dietary interventions are crucial for managing lipid profiles in pediatric populations.
  • Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) are recognized for their role in cardiovascular health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect size of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) supplementation on blood lipid profiles in children with primary hyperlipidemia.
  • To compare the efficacy of DHA alone versus a DHA/EPA mixture against a control group.

Main Methods:

  • A preliminary, randomized controlled trial involving 36 children aged 8-13 years with primary hyperlipidemia.
  • Participants underwent an 8-week Step I diet stabilization period.
  • Following stabilization, children received either DHA alone, a DHA/EPA mixture, or wheat germ oil (control) for 16 weeks.

Main Results:

  • Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation resulted in an 8% increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), a 12% decrease in the total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio, and a 16% decrease in triglycerides.
  • The DHA plus eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) mixture showed smaller effects: a 2% increase in HDL-C, an 8% decrease in the total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio, and a 12% decrease in triglycerides.
  • These changes were calculated as percentage changes from baseline.

Conclusions:

  • Preliminary findings suggest that n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) supplementation may positively impact blood lipid profiles in children with primary hyperlipidemia.
  • The observed effect sizes indicate that larger, powered trials are feasible and necessary to definitively evaluate the efficacy of these dietary interventions.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm the therapeutic potential of DHA and EPA in pediatric hyperlipidemia management.

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