ω-3 Fatty acids in hypertriglyceridemic patients: Triglycerides vs methyl esters

W. S. Harris, M. L. Zucker, C. A. Dujovne

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

53 Scopus citations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the relative effects of ω-3 fatty acids (ω-3FAs) in the triglyceride (TG) and methyl ester (ME) forms in a crossover design in patients with type IV hyperlipidemia. Eight male patients were given 18 vegetable-oil-capsules (control); 18 capsules of a TG rich in ω-3 FAs (ω-3 TG); and 11 capsules containing ω-3FA MEs (ω-3 ME). One supplement was given during each of three 6-wk periods. Equivalent amounts of ω-3 FAs (6.8 g/d) were provided by each of the ω-3 treatments. Plasma cholesterol (C) levels were unchanged during the two ω-3 phases whereas plasma TG levels fell by 44% during both. Low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels rose significantly with both ω-3-FA treatments, as did apolipoprotein B levels. When taken in either the TG or ME forms, ω-3 FAs are equally effective hypotriglyceridemic agents but they may rise LDL-C levels.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)992-997
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Volume48
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1988
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Nutrition and Dietetics

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