221515 Effect of daily hempseed consumption on triglycerides in middle-aged women (HS-42)

Monday, November 8, 2010 : 3:10 PM - 3:30 PM

Jessica Backe, MSN, RN, CNP , Heart and Vascular Services, Essentia Health, Duluth, MN
Colleen M. Renier, BS , Division of Research, Essentia Institute of Rural Health, Duluth, MN
Lisa Abrahams, MD, FACC, FSCAI , Heart and Vascular Services, Essentia Health, Duluth, MN
Julia Pattison-Crisostomo, BSN, RN, CCRC , Division of Education and Research, Essentia Health, Duluth, MN
Introduction: Hempseed is a nutritionally complete grain containing high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It has many assumed benefits, including lowering cholesterol and triglycerides, but there is little scientific evidence to support these claims. Problem: Elevated triglycerides are an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD), the leading cause of death for American women. More women are beginning to use alternative and/or complementary therapies for health conditions, including those placing them at elevated risk for CHD. Methods: Beginning in June 2009, a case series study evaluated the effects of 12-week daily consumption of 1/4 cup of hempseed on the triglyceride levels (TG) of 19 women 45-64 years of age, with baseline fasting TG of 150-400 mg/dL. Secondary endpoints included blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and total cholesterol (TC) levels. Matched t-test analysis compared baseline and post-treatment values utilizing an intention-to-treat design. Results: TG decreased significantly from a baseline mean (standard deviation) of 214.7 (62.1) mg/dL to 166.5 (54.3) mg/dL, a change of 22% (p = 0.01). BMI also decreased significantly from a mean of 33.4 (6.1) kg/m2 to 32.9 (5.8) kg/m2 (p = 0.01). However, a significant decrease in HDL also occurred, from a mean of 45.1 (11.4) mg/dL to 42.8 (10.5) mg/dL (p = 0.03). No significant change in BP, LDL, or TC occurred. Conclusions/Implications: Hempseed consumption may be an alternative treatment for high triglycerides in specific populations. Larger, randomized studies of this grain and its effects are warranted.

Learning Areas:
Advocacy for health and health education
Chronic disease management and prevention
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Describe the effects of daily hempseed consumption on lipid levels in middle-aged women. Discuss other benefits of daily intake of hempseed in this population. Differentiate between benefits attributed to hempseed use, those scientifically proven to be associated with use of hempseed oil, and those scientifically proven to be associated with use of hempseed.

Keywords: Women's Health, Alternative Medicine/Therapies

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: We completed the research
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.