Beyond typical cholesterol components included in a standard lipid panel, several important biomarkers have been recognized as important predictors for risk of CAD.
These include Lp(a); VLDL3, HDL2 and HDL3 ; IDL; and remnant lipoproteins (RL). The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of 4:1 EPA/DHA fish oil supplements on the concentrations of these biomarkers. A 4-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel designed study was carried out in 24 healthy, normal lipemic adult subjects. The experimental group (n=12) was supplemented with 3 g/day of 4:1 EPA/DHA fish oil capsules, while the control group (n=12) received a placebo containing 3 g/day of soybean oil. All subjects were instructed to maintain their usual diet and lifestyle patterns throughout the study. Blood samples were obtained after a 12 hr fast at baseline and at 4 weeks following supplementation for the measurement of Lp(a), VLDL3, HDL2, HDL3, and IDL. There were no significant differences in age, gender, Lp(a), VLDL3, HDL2, HDL3, IDL and RL at baseline between the experimental and control group, respectively. At the end of 4 weeks of supplementation, there was an 18% decrease in VDL3 in the experimental group (10.75±0.88 vs 8.83±0.74, p=0.04) No other changes of clinical significance were observed.
Recent studies have shown cholesterol rich VLDL3 to be an important independent risk factor for CAD and may be more atherogenic than LDL.
The results of the present study demonstrate that 3 g/day 4:1 EPA/DHA fish oil supplement had a significant effect on plasma triglyceride concentrations, and suggest that supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids may provide clinical benefit in healthy normal lipemic individuals.
This study was conducted using Nordic Naturals ProEPA Xtra™/EPA Xtra™
The dose used was 3 capsules/day.
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