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

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.