Abstract
Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, including the precursor α-linolenic acid (ALA) is often sub-optimal and not in line with international guidelines. Supplementation is debatable, but some individuals, e.g., pre-diabetic, low-grade inflammation, cardiometabolic yet otherwise healthy subjects, might benefit from supra-physiological omega-3 intake, particularly to lessen inflammation. We explored the feasibility of a large clinical trial by performing a pilot study to evaluate adherence, palatability, and self-reported side effects of ALA administration in a group of volunteers. We enrolled 12 individuals with borderline dyslipidemia or overweight, treated with dietary advice according to international guidelines and who had insufficient intakes of essential fatty acids. Subjects were followed for nutritional counselling and were matched with appropriate controls. Patients were administered 6 g/day of ALA, for two months. We report the absence of side effects such as fishy aftertaste and gastrointestinal distress, in addition to a slight decrease of C-reactive protein concentrations.
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Key Points
Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, namely the precursor a-linolenic (ALA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids is often suboptimal and not in line with International guidelines. For some population subgroups such as cardiometabolic patients, the use of omega-3 supplements, namely EPA and DHA, is debated. Human studies with ALA are limited even though one secondary prevention trial, the Lyon Diet Heart Study, reported strong preventive effects. This study assessed the anti-inflammatory actions of ALA in pre-diabetic, low-grade inflammation, cardiometabolic yet otherwise healthy subjects by providing them with cannabis sativa oil capsules containing ALA for a total of 6 grams per day in a pilot study to evaluate adherence, palatability, and self-reported side effects.
CRP values in the supplement group decreased from 0.81 ± 0.32 to 0.58 ± 0.19; conversely, the control group exhibited an increase in CRP concentrations. Treatment with 6 gr/d of ALA for two months is feasible, devoid of side effects, and leads to a slight decrease of CRP. Larger studies are underway that will assess the biological activities of ALA in cardiometabolic patients.