207077 Effect on blood pressure of diets enriched with different sources of n-3 fatty acids in adults

Monday, November 9, 2009

Choon Chew Teo, MPH, RD , School of Public Health Departmetn of Nutrition, Loma Linda University, Redlands, CA
Stoyan Grakov, MD, MPH , School of Public Health Department of Nutrition, Loma Linda University, Redlands, CA
Hsueh-Ting Chiu, MPH , School of Public Health Department of Nutrition, Loma Linda University, Redlands, CA
Keiji Oda, MPH , School of Public Health Department of Nutrition, Loma Linda University, Redlands, CA
Joan Sabaté, DrPH, MD , School of Public Health Departmetn of Nutrition, Loma Linda University, Redlands, CA
Background: Consumption of n-3 fatty acids from algal-oil supplements and plant sources produce health benefits, which may be dependent on the reduction in blood pressure.

Aim and Methods: To determine if plant sources (flaxseed oil and walnuts) of α-linolenic acid (ALA) produce similar change in blood pressure (BP) as algal-oil (EPA/DHA) supplements, we performed a randomized 4x3 cross-over study (4 diets and 3 8-week study periods) in 24 adults (15 women, 9 men; mean±SE age 42±2.7 years; BMI 25.4±0.9 kg/m2). Under controlled feeding conditions, subjects consumed eucaloric lacto-ovo vegetarian diets: Control, ALA (6-7g/2400 kcal/d), EPA/DHA (0.20/0.72g EPA/DHA per 2400 kcal/d), and, Combination (ALA + EPA/DHA). Under controlled conditions, 6 BP readings, (3/day on 2 days) were taken at the beginning and end of each diet period.

Results: Significant (p < 0.001) reduction in systolic BP were observed in all four diets: Control (-2.64%), EPA/DHA (-2.42%), ALA (-1.64%) and Combination (-1.85%) while non-significant (p > 0.05) reduction were observed in the diastolic BP: Control (-2.03%), EPA/DHA (-2.51%), ALA (–0.05%) and no change for the Combination diets (0.0%). No significant differences in BP between diets were observed.

Conclusion: Following diets enriched with ALA, EPA/DHA or a combination of these fatty acids for 8 weeks do not seem to affect BP when compared with the control diet.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of the session, participants will be able to: · List three sources of n-3 fatty acids for human consumption. · Compare the effects on blood pressure of diets enriched with different sources of n-3 fatty acids. · Describe and discuss how they would apply the lessons learned to help at-risk populations with cardiovascular conditions to improve their nutrition and health.

Keywords: Nutrition, Heart Disease

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the first author
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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