The Consumption of Food Products from Linseed-Fed Animals Maintains Erythrocyte Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Obese Humans.

Key Findings:

Omega 3 enriched food products with low n6/n3 ratio were produced by feeding animals a flaxseed enriched diet. Subjects were randomized to consume these products or animal foods with a low PUFA/SFA ratio for 90 days. The results showed that plasma EPA and DHA levels can be maintained through consumption of omega 3 enriched animal products. There was a significant reduction in weight, BMI, and hip circumference in both groups, but no significant difference was observed. The omega 3 fed subjects showed limited weight gain after the end of the trial. The authors noted this observation is significant for long term weight maintenance. The results suggest the enrichment of tissues in n-3 fatty acids improves various metabolic syndrome parameters.

ABSTRACT:

Based on mechanistic and epidemiological data, we raise the question of the relationship between qualitative dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) changes and increase in obesity. In this double-blind trial, we studied the effects on 160 overweight volunteers (body mass index, BMI, 30) of a 90 days experimental diet rich principally in animal fat with a low PUFA/saturated fatty acid (SFA) ratio but a low n6/n3 ratio, using animal products obtained from linseed-fed animals. The control diet provided less animal fat, a higher PUFA/SFA ratio and a higher n6/n3 ratio. Both diets excluded seafood. In the experimental group, we observed a significant increase in red blood cell (RBC) alpha-linolenic acid content and a slight increase in EPA and DHA derivatives, while in the control group we observed a significant reduction in EPA and DHA content. Between groups now, the difference in the three n3 fatty acids changes in RBC was significant. This demonstrates that plasma EPA and DHA levels can be maintained without fish if products from linseed-fed animals are used. During the diets, we noted a significant reduction in weight, BMI and hip circumference within both groups of volunteers. However, no significant difference was observed between the control group and the experimental group. Interestingly, 150 days after the end of the trial (at day 240), we noted a significant weight gain in the control group, whereas no significant weight gain was observed in the experimental group. This was also observed for the BMI and hip circumference. Moreover, significant differences in BMI (P < 0.05) and weight (P = 0.05) appeared between the two groups, showing in both cases a smaller increase in the experimental group. During the 90 days trial, we did not observe any differences between groups in terms of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol or triglycerides, suggesting that the saturate content and the P/S ratio are not as important as the n6 and n3 fatty acid composition. (Authors abstract)